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Hundreds of civilians from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party protested in front of the French embassy in Pretoria demanding that the European country abandon its diplomatic activities of influence on the continent. Commanded by Julius Malema, who has ties to Russia and has expressed his support regarding the war in Ukraine, they carried banners with slogans stating that “France makes wealth behind the backs of Africans” and that it owes “reparations for colonial crimes”. .
This Wednesday, on ‘Africa Day’, Pretoria was the venue for the protest promoted by the South African radical left, which brought together hundreds of protesters in the vicinity of the French embassy – which was lined with rows of local police – to demand that he abandon his political activities on the African continent.
Shouting “France out”, the protest promoted by the ‘Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) party sought to hold the Gauls accountable for perpetrating post-colonial imperialism.
Led by their leader, Julius Malema, and wearing the characteristic red berets, they displayed posters accusing France of making “wealth behind the backs of Africans” and being the perpetrator of “colonial crimes.”
Malema spoke a few words during the act while demanding a French representative to meet with the protesters. “You have killed many people in Africa, why are you so afraid today?” he said speaking to “French white supremacy”.
Another activist went further and exclaimed “fuck you France, fuck you”, on a stage mounted on a truck.
While Leigh-Ann Mathys, a spokesperson for the EFF, told the AFP agency that “France still has its dirty little fingers, deeply embedded in its former colonies. African countries cannot breathe.
Sinawo Thambo, another spokesman, added that there is a need for the relationship between Africa and France to change. “African countries must be considered partners and not just suppliers of raw materials,” he asserted.
Unprecedented attack on French foreign policy
An attack on French foreign policy like this is unprecedented in South Africa. Who briefly received the protesters was the ambassador, Aurélien Lechevallier. He there he assured that they are “friends of the African nations”.
Through a statement, the embassy stressed that Paris is “a strong partner” of Johannesburg and that it “fully respects the integrity, sovereignty and independence of all African nations.”
The demonstration was promoted weeks ago with posters and advertisements in the streets of Pretoria. Promoted by Malema, a man recognized for his political theater and who is followed by millions of poor and unemployed citizens. He declared himself a member of the anti-imperialist movement against Europe and the United States.
This controversial leftist leader also publicly supported Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Both he and his political front strengthened ties with Moscow last March, when he went to the Russian embassy to support Ambassador Ilya Rogachev in the anti-imperialist fight.
In addition, he expressed disagreement with the decision taken by the South African satellite station ‘Multichoice’ when it suspended the broadcast of Russia Today in South Africa, bowing to the sanctions imposed by the European Union.
The EFF is the third largest party in South Africa and won 10.8% of the vote in the last general election in 2019.
With AFP and local media
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