Paper short abstract:

This article explores the historical link between the new anti-French movements and the anti-imperialist leaders of the 1950s and 1960s as well as the underlying ideology to depict the will of the youth in the quest for their countries' liberation from neocolonialism.

Paper long abstract:

Most of Francophone West African countries achieved independence in 1960. The independence acquired was more theoretical than practical. The political leaders are practically the sentries for the French leaders who hold them in power. Some become the sponsors of the "Françafrique" network which maintains and perpetuates the structural dependence in all areas of the states with the metropolis. Natural resources, national wealth are plundered with the blessing of those political leaders and to the detriment of populations.

However, some African leaders opposed this African policy of France. Anti-imperialist leaders of the 1950s and 1960s were already denouncing French imperialism. In 1980s, Thomas Sankara fought neocolonialism. These leaders are later assassinated or driven out of power by rebellions.

In recent times, due to economic and security matters in African countries, we are witnessing the rise of an anti-French feeling in West Africa. The youth now open to the world, is taking up the fight of pan-Africanist leaders. During protests, French symbols and businesses are destroyed. The recent blockade of the French military convoy by Burkinabe and Nigerien demonstrators hostile to the presence of the French soldiers in the Sahel "suspected" of colluding with the terrorists is an illustration of this situation. The youth aims to triumph where politicians were unable to revisit the relationship between France and Africa. They aim to free their countries from France's yoke.

The question is: what are the foundations of this anti-french resurgence feelings currently prevailing in West Africa's Francophone countries?