The Empire Barks Back, Insists On Dignity And Respect: Why Burkinabe Leader Stopped Air France From Burkina Faso
The Oasis Reporters
July 30, 2024
Scholars of African history would easily tell the story of European colonization that was not so glorious and instead was laced with indignity, plunder, in some cases, murder and humiliation.
They exploited Africa and took away so much wealth, leaving the indigenous Africans in poverty and deep sorrow.
Therefore when then democratically elected president of Burkina Faso, Christian Kabore was to jointly address a congregation of students at the University in Ouagadugou with French president Emmanuel Macron, because of the entrenched belief that Africans didn’t matter and thus deserved no dignity.
A student had asked a question about electricity provision to the students on campus. In response, President Macron queried the student why they would be asking him about electricity when they had a president. Then a few rude remarks to evoke derision.
Humiliated, Kabore walked out in the face of more mockery from Macron. Not too long afterwards, President Christian Kabore was overthrown by the military.
But did Macron recognize the indignities and exploitation that French colonialism imposed on Africa?
No.
Take for instance, out of every ten electric bulbs alight in France, three are powered by the Uranium cheaply excavated from neighboring Niger Republic. Yet while France is adequately well lit, Niger Republic that owns the Uranium is in pitch darkness.
Then when Africans go to France in droves, the French government thinks of how to prevent them from coming.
They never thought of jointly developing France as well as Africa, their source of raw materials.
Africa is rising. The people are realizing who they are and what France is to them. Most importantly, what has been done to them.
This new generation is thinking differently.
According to African Hub @AfricanHub on X, Air France once suspended flights to Burkina Faso for five days without provocation. They are used to humiliating Africans when ever it suited them.
So when Air France wanted to resume it’s flights there, Burkina Faso president refused.
.
Some balls are swelling with pride. Time to demand for dignity and respect.
Greg Abolo
gregabolo@gmail.com
