In Africa, Macron sends a message to young people with an immigrant background

REPORTAGE

Emmanuel Macron returned to France on Saturday, after three days in Africa, Rwanda, then South Africa.

During this trip, the Head of State tried to reweave the link between France and the African continent.

He has repeated messages to French youth of African origin several times.

An objective which is not without ulterior motives in France, since for four years Emmanuel Macron wants to be part of a new relationship with Africa, via an economic, cultural project and a desire to appease memories.

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"We have something to build in common"

The President of the Republic's project is also aimed directly at French youth with an immigrant background.

"Millions of young people have a history with Africa, through their families, through generations. We are finally going to tell them: we have something to build in common. We are not going to tell them 'this is a problem, you have to integrate ', but:' you are a chance for France and you are going to help us to develop this history '", declared Emmanuel Macron from Pretoria.

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The Head of State is thus trying to turn the page on Françafrique. But in the current political climate in France, with communitarian temptations on the one hand and populist discourse of withdrawal vis-à-vis immigration on the other, his words are clear. But Emmanuel Macron assumes and clarifies: "In a very selfish way, I believe in it for the Africa that I love and I think it is essential for our country." These remarks will react part of the right and the extreme right and announce explosive debates in view of the presidential election.