Personal Journal in Verse: The French Chronicles
Every Day is a Bargain
I'll give, you'll takeThat's the deal, you want freedomTo break free from centuries of bondageIt's a trade, give and takeLet go of all that you ownOffer me a humble tokenIt's because I set you freeFrom my iron grip's clutchesBreathing space, just a taste
Tuesday
You refused my grip, my controlopted for remote rule insteadGeneral de Gaulle, I'm the man
Wednesday
If you want, take it all as loanIt's not a gift, it's still mineI let it go but didn't releaseMitterrand, I'm the one
Thursday
Never again, my brother, say neverI'm the Revolutionary BurkinabeSuffering, suffering stillFrom the aching testicles of colonial rapeFrom the storm of Francophone persecutionNothing endures forever, FasoSankara et al, it's time for changeWagner, it's time for the rising PhoenixPutin Vladimir, Field Marshal of Russia
Friday
The ripples only beginIn France they've raised the pension ageThe French protest, but I don't careProtestors, I'll stand my groundIt's the game of boot for bootMacron, I'm the President in charge
Saturday
Hey friends, the free lunch is o'erWork hard and your knees will wearYour knuckles, they'll knock, they'll crackMonsieur, I'm the one who sees your back
Sunday
The fool just wised up at lastRose, stand up straight and move on fastIt's the end, it's the finish lineIt's time to say goodbye, au revoir
This conversation between France and various African nations is steeped in a complex historical and political context, shaped by the remnants of colonialism, de-colonization, and post-independence relations.
French Colonial Empire in AfricaThe French established a vast colonial empire across Africa from the 16th century onward, intensifying during the "Scramble for Africa" in the late 19th century. The expansion was rooted in rivalries with Britain and the drive for dominance in regions such as Morocco. After the Agadir Crisis of 1911, France gained control over Morocco as a protectorate. Following World War I, France assumed mandates over Ottoman and German territories in Africa[1].
Decolonization and the French CommunityA wave of decolonization swept across Africa from the 1950s to 1975, as nations strove for independence amid Cold War tensions. France sought to redefine its relationships with sub-Saharan African colonies by establishing the French Community in 1958, aiming to create new political bonds. However, Algeria, one of its most significant colonies, rejected participation and asserted its immediate independence. By 1960, most French African colonies had gained independence through referendums. Critics argue that the French Community engendered a neocolonial system known as Françafrique, characterized by France maintaining influence through political, military, and economic networks rather than formal colonial governance[3][4].
Post-colonial Relations and NeocolonialismAlthough formally independent, many African states continue to confront France's ongoing influence through alliances, economic interests, and military interventions. France's clandestine involvement has generated tension and accusations of neocolonialism, suggesting that the end of formal imperialism did not necessarily equate to full sovereignty for many African nations[3].
France-Algeria Relations and Colonial MemoryThe relationship between France and Algeria is especially contentious due to their long, violent colonial history and the brutal war of independence. The failure of the French state to formally apologize for colonial abuses has persisted as a diplomatic hurdle. Ongoing disputes, including French President Macron's controversial statements questioning Algeria's pre-colonial nationhood and his ambiguous acknowledgments of colonial crimes, have exacerbated tensions. Algeria calls for France to confront its colonial past and offer a complete historical reconciliation as a foundation for future relations[5].
- On Wednesday, one can find a wide array of lifestyle reports, fashion-and-beauty tips, food-and-drink recipes, home-and-garden design ideas, and relationship advice in various magazines and online platforms, reminiscent of the freedom sought in the text.
- As for travel enthusiasts, they might be interested in exploring the bustling cityscapes of France and Africa, particularly experiential tours that delve into the complex history of France's colonial Empire and the subsequent decolonization process, such as visits to Khan El Khalili in Egypt, the Medina of Marrakesh in Morocco, or the picturesque streets of Dakar, Senegal, providing a unique blend of the old and the new.
- For pet lovers, France boasts a thriving pet culture, housing numerous veterinary clinics and pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring that their furry companions enjoy a luxurious lifestyle as they travel across France and other parts of the world.
- Lastly, car enthusiasts can indulge in the fascinating world of exotic cars on the picturesque French Riviera, racing down winding coastal roads and relaxing in world-renowned Grand Prix racing tracks, evoking the sense of freedom and adventure expressed in the text.
