Thierry Breton, a former French Economic Minister, has stirred up a storm with comments blaming President Emmanuel Macron for what he calls “Africa’s awakening.” In a statement that’s got people talking, Breton claimed Macron’s actions have led African nations to rethink their ties with France, and he’s not happy about it.
Breton, who served as France’s economy minister years ago and later took on a big role in the European Union, reportedly said, “It’s the stupidity of Emmanuel Macron that opened the eyes of Africans.” He suggested that Macron’s policies have pushed African countries to stand up for themselves, which could hurt France in the long run. According to Breton, if France loses its influence in African countries—many of which were once French colonies—future generations of French people might have to go to Africa to find work. He even went as far as saying, “Immigration will change direction,” hinting that Africans might not need to come to Europe anymore, but Europeans might head to Africa instead.
The comments, which first popped up on social media and were picked up by some African news outlets, have caused a mix of reactions. Some see Breton’s words as a harsh jab at Macron, accusing him of messing up France’s long-standing relationships with African nations. Others think Breton’s being dramatic, and fact-checkers have raised doubts about whether he really said all this. A report by Africa Check, a group that verifies news, called the claims “false” and pointed out that no major news outlets like France 24 or Reuters have backed up the story. They also noted that Breton, who’s been focused on tech and EU policies, hasn’t been known to talk much about Africa lately.
Still, the idea of an “African awakening” is striking a chord. Many African countries, especially in West Africa, have been pushing back against France’s influence. Nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have ended military agreements with France in recent years, choosing to chart their own path. Some African leaders, like Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, have said France doesn’t have the right to control Africa’s security or future. Chad’s foreign minister recently called out Macron for acting like African countries owe France for their independence, which didn’t sit well with many.
Macron, for his part, has been trying to patch things up with Africa. He’s made trips to countries like Gabon and Angola, promising a “new partnership” that’s less about France calling the shots and more about working together. But not everyone’s buying it. Critics say Macron’s words sometimes come off as arrogant, like when he said African leaders forgot to say “thank you” for France’s help fighting terrorism in the Sahel region. That comment sparked outrage, with some African officials saying France was more interested in its own goals than helping Africans.
Breton’s alleged remarks also took a controversial turn when he reportedly said, “Africa does not have history, so Africa can’t manage the world.” That line, if true, has angered many who point to Africa’s rich history, from the ancient Mali Empire to modern leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, who fought for independence. Social media posts on X have been buzzing with reactions, with some users calling Breton’s words a “colonial hangover” and others using it to rally for African pride. But again, there’s no solid proof Breton said this, and the posts on X might just be amplifying a rumor.
So, what’s the real story? It’s hard to pin down. Breton’s supposed comments could be a misunderstanding or even made-up, as fact-checkers suggest. But they’re tapping into a bigger truth: Africa is changing, and its relationship with France is on shaky ground. Whether Macron’s to blame or not, the conversation about who gets to shape Africa’s future is heating up—and it’s not just talk. It’s about power, pride, and a new way forward.
For now, neither Breton nor Macron has officially responded to the claims. But one thing’s clear: the world’s watching to see how France and Africa navigate this new chapter.