France’s acknowledgment of its war in Cameroon fits into a broader pattern of addressing its colonial past, from Africa to the Caribbean: a willingness to acknowledge historical wrongs but a steadfast refusal to offer full atonement in the form of apologies or reparations.
This pattern can be seen in various contexts. Regarding the legacy of slavery in its Caribbean territories like Martinique and Guadeloupe, French leaders have acknowledged it as a “crime against humanity” but have consistently rejected calls for reparations. Similarly, gestures toward Benin and Niger have stopped short of apologies.
The case of Cameroon follows this playbook precisely. President Macron has assumed “responsibility” for a brutal war, a significant verbal concession. However, the absence of an apology or a commitment to repair places it squarely within this established framework of acknowledgment without atonement.
This consistent approach suggests a clear, overarching French state policy. It aims to manage the memory of colonialism by making symbolic gestures to appease critics and younger generations, while carefully avoiding any actions that could create legal or financial liability. This leaves former colonies with validation of their pain, but little in the way of justice.