Despite gaining independence in the 1960s, African states still have not fully broken away from certain structures of influence inherited from the colonial period. Among them, institutional Francophonie occupies a unique place. Often presented as a space for cultural exchange and political cooperation, it is celebrated as a bridge between peoples.

Yet, for a growing number of African intellectuals and policymakers, a deeper question remains: Does Francophonie truly serve the interests of African societies, or does it perpetuate, in more subtle forms, patterns of domination rooted in the colonial past?

To understand this debate, it is essential to clarify what Francophonie actually is and where it comes from. The term refers both to all French-speaking populations around the world and to a structured political and institutional framework built around the French language. Its modern institutional form emerged in 1970, with the creation of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), an intergovernmental body designed to promote cooperation among French-speaking states.

Historically, the roots of Francophonie go back to the period of French colonial expansion between the 19th and 20th centuries. During this era, the French language was introduced across vast territories in West Africa, Central Africa, North Africa, and parts of the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. After independence, instead of disappearing, French remained deeply embedded in state institutions, education systems, and administrative structures in many former colonies. This continuity created the foundation upon which modern Francophonie would later be built.

Francophonie as an institution was not solely imposed by France. It was also actively supported by several postcolonial leaders who saw strategic value in maintaining linguistic and diplomatic ties. Among them were Leopold Sedar Senghor, Habib Bourguiba, and Hamani Diori. These leaders were part of a generation that believed cooperation with France could help stabilize newly independent states, provide access to education systems, and maintain international visibility in a world dominated by Cold War tensions.

For example, Leopold Sedar Senghor, poet and president of Senegal, viewed the French language not only as a colonial legacy but also as a potential tool for cultural synthesis. He famously promoted the idea that French could serve as a universal language of........

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