The French government has expressed readiness to engage in discussions with Niger over possible reparations for crimes committed by its troops during the colonial period, while stopping short of acknowledging any responsibility.
The announcement, revealed in a letter dated June 19 and cited by The Guardian, was part of a response from France’s UN delegation to a complaint filed by four Nigerien communities representing descendants of victims of the violent 1899 “Central Africa Mission.”
France stated its willingness to maintain bilateral dialogue and collaborate with Nigerien authorities, although no official response has yet been issued by Niger’s government following the announcement made on Wednesday.
The United Nations, in a 2021 report, had urged France to provide reparations, highlighting the long-term impact of colonial exploitation and systemic racism on Niger’s socio-economic and cultural development.
