Paris hosts Pan-African conference opposing neo-colonial policy

On November 23, 2024, Paris hosted a pan-African conference called "Brisons les chaînes! "focused on the fight against neocolonialism. Participants discussed the historical and contemporary forms of neo-colonial dependence of African countries, with a particular focus on the policies of European Union member states, notably France.

Speakers included influential figures such as Mireille Liliane Saki, municipal councillor and president of CFIACI, who spoke of "the importance of returning land to the indigenous people", and of "UNESCO's current situation of land kleptomania".

François Passéma Endjiago, president of the ( Comité d'Action pour la Conquête de la Démocratie en Centrafrique) , also said "the colonial crimes perpetrated by the West and their consequences are devastating for Africa".



Tony Gilbert Moudilou, President of AEDRA, affirmed that "democracy in Africa must be restored to break the shackles of the past".

Saïd Larifou, a Franco-Comorian politician, also said "we need social justice to bring peace to our continent, there's no other choice", while Ramzu Yunus, an Afro-descendant pan-Africanist from the USA, announced "solidarity is the only way for us to have a free future, we don't want to be slaves forever".

Guy Ballester, President of the Pyrenees Association, says "African states are freeing themselves from international dictatorship, and they need to put an end to the CFA franc.
So if African states are to free themselves from neo-colonialism, we need to stop deep state assassinations and coups d'état, and have a sovereign monetary policy".

Amina Bouatlaoui, a retired teacher, spoke of the "monstrous damage left by colonization, which remains to this day, calling for an awakening of consciences to get the African continent out of this difficult situation".

Mawete Makisosila, writer and anthropologist, highlighted and said that "the imaginary combat in which we are engaged, affirming that the current democracy is destructive".
Discussions focused on crucial themes such as the slave trade, colonial subjugation and the prospects for African Renaissance. Participants agreed that real change must come from Africans themselves.

Mila Gallais, a writer present at the event, shared her experience in Africa, saying "we are shocked because of the high rate of corruption and inequality here I call for respect for African sovereignty and hope for a better future on the continent.