Italian authorities have faulted French policies as the reason for Francophone Africa poverty and migration, Italy’s deputy prime minister Luigi Di Maio called on the European Union to impose sanctions on France for its policies in Africa
Italy and France have previously clashed on issues linked to migration with Italy being the destination for thousands seeking a new life in Europe.
Di Maio speaking in central Italy said, “If we have people who are leaving Africa now it’s because some European countries and France in particular, have never stopped colonizing Africa,”
“France is one of those countries that by printing money for 14 African states prevents their economic development and contributes to the fact that the refugees leave and then die in the sea or arrive on our coasts, “say’s Di Maio
Di Maio added that France was manipulating the economies of 14 African countries that use the CFA franc — a colonial-era currency which is underpinned by the French Treasury.
“If France didn’t have its African colonies, because that’s what they should be called, it would be the 15th largest world economy. Instead it’s among the first, exactly because of what it is doing in Africa.”
Ambassador Teresa Castaldo has been summoned by the chief of staff of European Affairs, Minister Nathalie Loiseau, a French diplomatic source said.
With the French diplomatic source adding that “it’s not the first time the Italian authorities have made unacceptable and aggressive comments,” it is clear that France doesn’t expect anyone to talk about its ugly truth, at least not in the open.
France continues to argue that the CFA Franc has brought welcome monetary stability to the countries that use it, and that it was up to African governments to decide what to do with the currency.
According to Di Maio, France had never stopped colonizing tens of African states.
If Europe wants to be brave, it must have the courage to confront the issue of decolonization in Africa.