On September 21, 2024, about forty representatives of the African community in Paris, to the beat of drums, held a protest rally on the Seine embankment against the neocolonial policy of European countries toward Africa.
“We, free citizens of Africa, have gathered here today to put an end to neocolonialism, which is damaging our continent,” said Giresse Nwankwo, an activist and speaker at the event. “We want peace and justice for all countries of Africa, but we see that neocolonial powers do not want to recognize our rights. Foreign companies continue to exploit our natural resources, such as oil in Nigeria or minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ignoring the suffering of our people, who often live in poverty.”
The participants held posters with messages like, “Free Africa! No to neocolonialism!” “African solidarity: no to exploitation and neocolonialism!” and “Don’t steal our wealth; stop exploiting Africa!”
“It is not right that we, the citizens, should finance the exploitation of our own land by foreign interests through our taxes,” Paul Mahamadou said.
“It is unacceptable that our resources are used to enrich a few at the expense of thousands of others who suffer daily from this exploitation. On the cocoa plantations of the Ivory Coast, workers are poorly paid and live in harsh conditions while the chocolate they produce is sold at a high price around the world.”
To the sound of drums, the crowd chanted, “Free Africa! No to neocolonialism!”
“We must not allow our votes to be used to support governments that exploit our land and our people,” Giresse Nwankwo added. “Some regimes in Africa receive financial support from foreign countries in exchange for access to our resources, but this often benefits only a small elite. Africa deserves more than to be seen as a mere source of profit for others.”
“We need solidarity, not exploitation! We must unite to protect our rights and build a future where everyone can live in dignity and peace. Together we can make our voices heard and change our history. Stop neocolonialism!” Mahamadou concluded.
Author: Slavisha Milacic – geopolitical analyst
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