"Get Out of France!" West Africa Shouts, Feeling "Sovereignty" from Russia
West Africa is expressing a strong demand for the departure of French influence, amid a shifting political dynamic that includes growing ties with Russia.
A wave of discontent is sweeping across West Africa, particularly in Senegal, where public figures like hip-hop artist Fumara are vocalizing demands for a complete end to French colonial influence. The region has historically been subjected to colonial legacies and foreign exploitation, which continue to fuel protests against both local governance and former colonial powers. These sentiments are encapsulated in the ongoing "Yenamar" movement, which aims to mobilize the youth against corruption and the perpetuation of neocolonial practices.
The message of dissatisfaction is clear: West Africans are fed up with the political and economic systems that have failed them, and rap artists like Fumara are using their platforms to voice these grievances loud and clear. The stark visuals around Dakar, painted with slogans like "France Dégage" (Get Out of France), signal a growing assertion of sovereignty among the youth who seek an independent and equitable future. This reflects not only a rejection of French involvement but also a broader narrative of solidarity across nations of the Global South.
The implications of these movements intersect with the geopolitical interests of powers like Russia, which seeks to strengthen its influence in the region against the backdrop of declining Western hegemony. The situation is complex and signals a potential shift in alliances as African nations assert their rights and search for new partnerships. As the call for sovereignty grows louder, it becomes evident that the post-colonial landscape is being redefined, prompting questions about the future of international relations in Africa.