Before granting independence to its colonies, France negotiated (or imposed agreements) by which France retained extensive political, economic and cultural rights over many of these colonies. These were sealed by military agreements by which France stationed its troops in these African territories to protect French interests.
Several decades after independence, France continued to wield tremendous influence over its former colonies and in many situations intervened directly in the politics of these countries. Many post colonial leaders in former French colonies paid allegiance to France. This was what Mr Lyon M`ba, first President of Gabon meant when he said Africa is independent, but between France and Africa, nothing has changed.
The visible and lasting legacies of French control over Africa are the French language – the mode of communication in all former French colonies, the currency (Africa Franc Zone CFA) which is tied to the French francs and the presence of French soldiers on African soil.
This does not suggest that any European power welcomed African independence. Even the British who announced “the wind of change” clung to Zimbabwe until 1980. Other European powers, especially Portugal which did not envisage nor entertain the idea of African independence did not hide their intentions like the French.
