If I were the next President of the French Republic, I would have a major undertaking ahead of me: rebuilding France–Africa relations on the foundations of mutual trust, mutual respect, and a renewed historical friendship. Needless to say, there would be no shortage of work to be done!
France-Africa
(1) My first priority would be to reinvigorate the Francophonie.
It would no longer be merely about numbers, summits, and speeches. Instead, it would become a genuine platform for cooperation, driven by concrete action. In particular, I would encourage a candidate from a major French-speaking country to lead its institutions, giving fresh momentum to this linguistic and cultural community.
I would make an early visit to a French-speaking African country to deliver a historic speech highlighting the continent, its peoples, their history, and their potential. The speeches would certainly be inspiring, but the results would have to be just as impressive!
My first strategic resource would be the African diaspora. As a genuine bridge between peoples and cultures, it would be fully involved in bringing France and Africa closer together. Why look for intermediaries on the other side of the world when some people already possess an in-depth understanding of both French and African realities?
Dual nationals, African immigrants, refugees, and even undocumented migrants represent a human resource that is too often overlooked in discussions about France–Africa relations. Their skills, experiences, and networks could help us better understand the realities of the continent and build more relevant partnerships.
It is time to recognize this wealth not merely as a subject of political debate, but as a genuine asset for cooperation. I would make the African diaspora one of my first points of reference for gaining a deeper understanding of the continent. What a shame to have access to such expertise without even thinking of drawing on it!
(2) My second priority would be to defend human rights and democracy.
I would promote respect for fundamental freedoms, condemn regimes that silence the opposition, and defend judicial independence as well as peace among nations.
Democracy must not be a mere façade designed to impress the international community! While respecting the sovereignty of states, I would take a firm stance against leaders who trample on freedoms, monopolize power, or confuse public responsibilities with private ownership. This standard would apply to everyone, without exception or favouritism, because the defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms must never be subordinated solely to France’s strategic interests.
(3) My third priority would be to strengthen cultural exchanges between France and Africa.
I would support artists, writers, students, and creators from both continents. Culture must not be a mere guest at diplomatic summits, applauded one moment and forgotten as soon as the cameras stop rolling!
Under my presidency, culture would become a genuine bridge between peoples, transcending borders and prejudices inherited from history. I would make cultural cooperation a cornerstone of my Africa policy by encouraging artistic exchanges, the circulation of creative works, and initiatives led by younger generations.
I would also serve as an ambassador for African cultures and their sporting events. In carrying out this mission, I could count on African writers, artists, and athletes, particularly those from French-speaking countries. After all, diplomacy does not take place solely around a negotiating table: it also unfolds on a football pitch, on a stage, and in many other spaces where cultures meet.
(4) My fourth priority would be to expand economic exchanges.
I would work to build a partnership between France and Africa based on fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial rules.
My priority would be to promote a more humane economy that takes the living conditions of African populations into account. In particular, I would advocate a fairer distribution of the wealth generated by multinational corporations, ensuring that the countries and populations contributing to its creation receive a greater share of the benefits.
If I were President…
I would seek to establish close and privileged relations with African countries, not by invoking the privileges of the past, but by offering cooperation geared towards the future, founded on mutual respect and shared interests.
To turn this ambition into reality, I would surround myself with a team bringing together members of the African diaspora and a new generation of diplomats. I would favour individuals capable of renewing traditional approaches and moving beyond the established practices inherited from successive administrations. After all, France–Africa relations may have a long history, but there is no reason why their future should resemble their past!
Finally, my vision for Africa would be built around a bold communication strategy, drawing on digital tools and next-generation media. I would create new spaces for dialogue designed to engage younger generations, encourage exchanges with African citizens, and explain the changes being introduced. It would also be essential to explain the break with certain past practices, the new directions being pursued, and the reasons behind these choices.
Commitments would be explained, projects presented, and results made public so that everyone could assess the progress achieved. The aim would not simply be to communicate more, but to communicate differently.
Unfortunately, I will not be a candidate for the presidency of the French Republic! My ideas may change nothing, but you can always have a laugh at them!
This article and the ideas it conveys were originally written in French by Mr. Faustin Kabanza and first published on Afrik.com.
Mwalimu Hakizimana Maurice is a teacher, a translator-interpreter, and a writer based in Paris, France.
Professor Hakizimana Maurice is the author of the book “UTABA AMATEKA NTABONA ITAKA” (Editions Scribes).
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