By: Gerald Acho, Hekima Institute of Peace and International Relations (HIPSIR)
In 2017, French president Emmanuel Macron said the return of African artifacts will become “a top priority” for France during the next five years. Earlier this year, Macron made good on this promise by announcing his appointment of two experts to spearhead the repatriation of African artifacts held in French museums. The chosen two are Senegalese writer and economist Felwine Sarr and the French art historian Bénédicte Savoy, and they will present their recommendations in November. The director of the Musée du Quai Branly (France) will also travel to Benin to meet with cultural workers in the coming weeks.
I love the idea of bringing back Africa artifacts to the continent. However, what we should also keep in mind is the reality that Macron is the president of France and he will always put the interest of France first. This article, published in AllAfrica.com, needs to acknowledge the role of France in the underdevelopment of Francophone Africa. However, the sincerity of Macron on this issue is questionable given his previous statements and the fact that his predecessors have continually emphasized France’s dependence on its former colonies in Africa. As an article by blogger Ricky Riley highlighted for example, in 2008, former French President Jacques René Chirac stated: “…without Africa, France will slide down into the rank of a third [world] power.” In 2011, former French Minister Jacques Godfrain also stated that “…a little country [France], with a small amount of strength, we can move a planet because [of our] relations with 15 or 20 African countries….” And in December 2013, French Finance Minister Pierre Moscovic argued: “We have to speak the language of truth: African growth pulls us along. Its dynamism supports us and its vitality is stimulating for us … We need Africa.”
These statements support the view that whatever Macron is trying to do for Africa is primarily in the interest of France disguised as a favor to Africa. As an African from a partially francophone African country, I will say Macron is a president with vision, but the structures which have made France dependent on her former colonies will make it difficult for Macron to effect any genuine change. Instead, I think this new policy should reinforce the argument that Africans, especially those who are based on the continent, must lead the way in envisioning and designing effective change. We are the masters of our future and development, not Macron nor France.
Find the full news article here.
Featured image source: Ntina Tzouvala via Critical Legal Thinking