This House, as France, would reconcile with West Africa

France colonized much of West Africa from the late nineteenth century until the wave of independence movements in the 1950s and 1960s. In recent years, relations between France and several West African states have deteriorated amid disputes over military presence, economic influence, and the legacy of colonialism. For the purposes of this debate, "reconcile" refers to actions intended to repair and improve France's relationship with West African countries.