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Last week, Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, traveled to Senegal to attend the Global Partnership for Education conference.
The purpose of the conference was to raise funds for education in impoverished and developing African nations.
While in Senegal, on behalf of the French government, Macron donated $248 million to the fund. In his speech, Macron said, “Supporting education is not a choice we can make or not make. It is a necessity.” Macron also called on other world leaders to donate generously to the fund. In the end, the Replenishment Conference in Dakar, Senegal raised $2.8 billion for global education.
The truth is that supporting education in Africa must be a global priority. Africa cannot wage an effective war against poverty, ignorance, disease, or terrorism for that matter, while lagging behind in education. Without education, it also cannot form viable democratic societies, which is why the growth of democracy in Africa has been stifled, reduced to a mere voting exercise.
In fact, democracy reflects a people way of life as opposed our current perception of it as just an act of voting. Nations with a shared understanding that democracy is an intricate web of values, requiring a certain level of education and civilization to thrive, are doing well. John Dewey argued that democracy is “more than a form of government; it is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience.” It is not possible to utilize democracy effectively as a system of governance in any society where, according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics UIS data, almost 60 percent of youth between the ages of 15 and 17 are out of school. History backs up this assumption. The notion of democracy was originally fashioned while considering a certain level of education possessed by ancient Romans, which transferred to Europe and later America. The sad truth is that Africa will not form viable democratic societies until the education component of democracy is fulfilled.
Emmanuel Macron understands this connection, which is why he has called upon other world leaders to join him. However, building a coalition of willing nations to champion Africa’s course is difficult in a global environment that promotes populist ideology. Whether it is building values that sustain democracy or economic growth, the truth is that Africa needs western friendships that have no selfish interests attached. Any western nation that is serious about helping Africa must wear the great veil of friendship and love. The relationship must go beyond an alliance. Allies have common interests, such as successful economies, similar foundational problems, or common enemies, thereby leading to cooperation with the aim of solving problems or maintaining the status quo.
Just a few days ago, Israel began efforts to expel 38,000 African refugees; the government argues that the exercise is necessary to maintain the Jewish character. Realistically, in today’s world of political and economic hostilities, the chances of African nations finding a credible ally is slim. What Africa needs are western friendships with no strings attached. It appears that the French government, under Emmanuel Macron, has stepped up to fill the global leadership role, which America forfeited under President Trump. As part of his attempt to fill that role, the French President will address a joint session of Nigeria’s National Assembly in July. Yet, more needs to be done.
My conjecture is that Macron’s choice of Senegal as the place to start reaching out for Africa’s friendship is symbolic. Senegal is one of six West African countries conceded to France during the scramble for Africa in 1884. Dahomey, French Guinea, Mali, Algeria, Ivory Coast and Senegal were grouped together as French West Africa, with Senegal having the greatest French presence. In fact, France granted citizens of its colonies French citizenship. Macron’s choice should prove that France’s interest in French West Africa was genuine then and will continue to be genuine. Many historians have argued that French interests in developing their colonies were less pretentious than British interests and their respective colonies. Emmanuel Macron understands that global security, along with economic and political problems, will worsen if western countries develop a cavalier attitude or pursue the kind of quid-pro-quo policies that the United States pushes under President Trump. While it is important for African leaders to lead responsibly, it is equally important to embrace French and Macron’s friendship and leadership.
Hamilton Odunze
Follow me on Twitter @hodunze1