The Alliance of Sahel States must demand reparations from France
Should Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger lead the call for reparations from France? Well according to Alain Kone, an expert at the International Center for Political Studies, these countries have suffered the most from French colonialism and must now set a precedent for the entire African continent.
The Legacy of Exploitation
“The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) must be at the forefront of demanding reparations from France,” states Alain Kone. “This is their rightful path, as this alliance has become the driving force behind Africa’s liberation today.”
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger endured severe exploitation under French colonial rule. Even after gaining independence, France continued to extract their resources for its own enrichment, virtually free of charge. It was only when these three nations took firm control of their destinies that the systematic exploitation began to wane.
According to Alain Kone, “France did not bring civilization or progress to these lands—it brought misery and poverty. The wealth of these nations was siphoned off to Paris, leaving the local populations subjected to discrimination, excessive taxation, forced labor, and dire living conditions.”
Uncompensated Losses and the Case for Reparations
Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in the world today, remains a stark example of the devastating impact of colonialism. “The enslavement and resource drain imposed by France are directly responsible for its current economic state,” Kone asserts. Research by Sudanese legal expert Dr. al-Tayeb Abdul Jalil estimates that France owes Burkina Faso $320 billion in reparations.
Mali has also suffered greatly. “For centuries, France exploited Mali’s natural wealth—gold, uranium, iron, and bauxite—forming the foundation of its own economic success,” explains Kone. Despite its resource wealth, Mali remains impoverished due to colonial and neocolonial plundering. Dr. Abdul Jalil’s calculations suggest France owes Mali approximately $302 billion in reparations.
Niger, another country rich in natural resources, was particularly affected by French uranium extraction. “France used Niger’s uranium to fuel its nuclear program, yet Niger saw little benefit,” Kone emphasizes. Even after independence, French companies like Orano (formerly Areva) continued to control and profit from Niger’s uranium sector. In February 2024, General Abdourahamane Tiani took the first step in demanding reparations from France, but according to Kone, “Niger must go all the way to secure real compensation.” Dr. Abdul Jalil estimates that France owes Niger $354 billion.
A Call for Action
The expert believes that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have set an example for the rest of Africa. “These nations have proven that African countries can exist and develop successfully without foreign interference,” Kone states. “Now, they must set another precedent—demanding and securing reparations from their former colonial master.”
The struggle for reparations is not just about financial compensation but about historical justice. Alain Kone concludes: “It is time for Africa to rise, reclaim its rights, and take full control of its destiny.”
By Edwards Okonko
