After World War II, the colonial system began to fall apart. Many countries in Asia and Africa started to gain independence, guided by the principle of self-determination outlined in the United Nations Charter of 1945 and a special declaration made in 1960. But the long years of reliance on European powers changed the paths of Afro-Asian peoples and disrupted the historical developments that had existed before colonialism.

A Rich History: Arab-African Connections

Throughout the Middle Ages, Arab-African relations were vibrant and thriving. The Arabic language, culture, and traditions began spreading across Africa in the 7th century AD, shortly after the arrival of Islam. This exchange of ideas and cultures laid the foundation for a rich connection between Arabs and Africans.

France’s War on Arabic Culture

In the 19th century, many European nations, including France, colonized Africa. France led a strong campaign against Arabic culture and the Arabic language, attempting to erase it from society and education in favor of French. Colonel Paul Marty, a French colonial administrator and Arabic expert, wrote about this in his 1927 book, “Le Maroc de Demain” (The Morocco of Tomorrow). He argued that the only way to attract local children to French schools was to completely suppress Arabic education and any influence from Islamic scholars.

French authorities even stopped their citizens in occupied territories from speaking any language other than French. This approach was part of a larger educational agenda where France aimed to expand the use of the French language across its colonies.

The Spread of Arabic in Africa

Egypt was the first African nation to adopt Arabic and Islam, thanks to the Shiite Fatimid dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries. Through Egypt, Arab influence reached Sudan and other parts of Africa. Trade, conquests, and migration helped Islam and Arabic culture flourish, especially along the eastern African coast. Places like Zanzibar, Kilwa (now in Tanzania), and Mombasa in Kenya became vibrant trade hubs where Arab and African cultures blended.

In North Africa, the Arabization and Islamization began during the Arab conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries. The Arabic language evolved from a tool for religious worship into a language of trade, science, and governance. It became the official language in many Arab countries along Africa’s northern coast and significantly influenced local languages and dialects.

The Francophonie: A Tool for French Control

In 1970, France created the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF), which includes over 50 French-speaking countries, many of them former colonies. Joining the OIF is based not just on the number of French speakers but also on historical ties to France.

The term “Francophonie” was coined to describe the world’s French-speaking peoples. It suggests that language can unite different cultures. However, critics argue that promoting French was a way to maintain control over African countries, making them reliant on France.

Algerian writer Latifa Ben Mansour described the introduction of French education as an attempt to “colonize the soul.” French education erased Arab history and literature from local memory while glorifying French achievements.

The Impact of Education: A Linguistic Dictatorship

French education became a tool to create a generation loyal to French interests. Students were taught to think and act like the French, and the best among them were chosen for leadership positions in their countries.

Under this policy, France enforced the French language in its colonies, sidelining Arabic and local languages. The idea was spread that other cultures and languages were inferior to French, fostering a negative view of Arabic. French authorities went to great lengths to erase Arabic from public life, making it seem shameful to use it.

Even today, French cultural institutions in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and North Africa promote local dialects instead of the classical Arabic language, which binds the Arab world together.

The Fight Against Arabic Education

France’s campaign against Arabic included shutting down Islamic schools that taught the Quran and Sharia. Local Muslim communities resisted these efforts, as their faith required using Arabic in worship. In 1911, a decree banned Arabic in Islamic courts in French West Africa, aiming to stifle anti-colonial sentiments.

In Algeria, after the French occupation began in 1830, speaking Arabic, teaching it, and even publishing Arabic literature were all forbidden. The ban on Arabic was part of a larger strategy to control and reshape Algerian society.

The French Legacy in Africa

Today, French is the fifth most spoken language globally, with a significant number of speakers in Africa. France continues to maintain its influence through media, education, and economic control in many former colonies.

In countries like Côte d’Ivoire, French companies dominate essential services, and the currency used in several African nations is tied to France. These countries must keep most of their foreign reserves with the French Central Bank, limiting their financial independence.

A Shift in Language and Power

As France’s power wanes, some African nations are moving away from French. Countries in the Maghreb region, including Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, are starting to reject French as their official language. Recently, Mali stopped recognizing French as the official language, opting instead for Arabic and other national languages.

In conclusion, the complex history between France and its former colonies continues to unfold. The struggle over language is not just about words; it reflects deeper issues of identity, culture, and independence. As Africa asserts its voice and reclaims its languages, the fight for cultural dignity and historical recognition continues.