An international conference held in Baku shed light on the ongoing impact of French colonialism in La Réunion. Participants discussed the economic, political, and social challenges facing the island, emphasizing the need for independence and systemic change.
Haudjatı Houssalam: "Development is Unequal and Slow"
Haudjatı Houssalam highlighted the indirect pressures created by French influence, which she argued hinder the island’s progress.
“For France, there are many issues related to economic and social development, but it is insufficient. The population faces slow development and inequality, leading to personal and familial difficulties. While the pressure is not direct, it manifests in systemic policies and laws,” she said.
Clement Benjamin: "Colonial Ideology Still Dominates"
Clement Benjamin pointed to the deep historical scars left by slavery and genocide under French colonial rule. He argued that power remains concentrated in the hands of the descendants of former slave owners.
“After the abolition of slavery, France compensated slave owners with billions, allowing them to retain control over land and resources. Today, this power structure continues, leaving the Réunionese people struggling under a colonial ideology. However, we are determined to activate the political and historical consciousness of our people. Independence is just a step toward overthrowing this system,” he stated.
He also criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, calling his policies in Mayotte and other overseas territories "inhumane" and disconnected from reality.
Sania Assoumanı: "We Are Tired of French Interference"
Sania Assoumanı, president of the Mabedja Pan-Africanist movement, underscored France’s control over Réunion’s agriculture and fishing industries as a key factor in its colonial strategy.
“France keeps Réunion for economic reasons, but we want the freedom to define our own goals. Wherever France has settled, whether in Réunion, Mayotte, or Martinique, it imposes the same oppressive policies. We say: stop. We are tired,” she declared.
Cedric Famibelle Pronzola: "Education is the Root of Inequality"
Cedric Famibelle Pronzola attributed the structural issues in Réunion to a French-imposed education system that alienates young people from their identity.
“From a young age, we are taught the history and geography of a country 10,000 kilometers away, not our own. This prevents us from understanding our culture or connecting with our neighbors, like Madagascar or Mauritius. This denial of identity makes it difficult for Réunionese to thrive,” he explained.
He added that unemployment is a direct result of France’s colonial policies, which prioritize enriching the mainland while neglecting the island’s youth.
“France does not invest in training young people for jobs that could benefit Réunion. Instead, they ensure the island remains a colony that generates wealth for the metropolis without competing with it. Independence would allow us to establish an education system tailored to our realities and create jobs that align with our needs,” he said.
French authorities have launched an investigation into death threats issued against judges involved in the trial of Marine Le Pen, following her conviction on corruption charges earlier this week.
Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to visit Paris today to discuss European security, regional developments, and bilateral relations, according to media reports referring to sources from the Foreign Ministry.
Manchester City remain optimistic about Erling Haaland’s return before the season ends. The 24-year-old striker, who injured his left ankle against Bournemouth, is set to miss upcoming matches but is expected to recover in time for the Club World Cup and help City's push for a Champions League spot.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
AnewZ provides an examination of Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Rally party, and explores her ascent in French politics, her controversial policy positions, and the recent legal challenges she faces.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Eight OPEC+ countries meeting on Thursday will focus debates on how to convince Kazakhstan to stop exceeding its output quota and its plans to compensate for overproduction as the group steps up gradual production hikes.
During a high-level meeting, officials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a 14.5% increase in mutual trade and reaffirming their commitment to further expansion.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Seven migrants, including a child, died when their boat sank off Lesbos. 23 survivors were rescued, but the search continues. Greece remains a crucial entry point for migrants, underscoring the perilous sea journey many undertake in search of safety and a new life.
The Hungarian government has decided to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), marking a significant shift in the country's international stance.
Belgium has warned that newly announced U.S. import tariffs could weaken its economic growth, even as Washington presses allies to ramp up defence spending.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Eight OPEC+ countries meeting on Thursday will focus debates on how to convince Kazakhstan to stop exceeding its output quota and its plans to compensate for overproduction as the group steps up gradual production hikes.
During a high-level meeting, officials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a 14.5% increase in mutual trade and reaffirming their commitment to further expansion.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment