Extract
[...] Moreover, perhaps the English, who know the importance of indigenous contingents for the war they are fighting together, could talk to their allies about it, but the most likely is that the French will question themselves. This text is in any case revealing of what will happen in the years to come: persistent injustices, demands for independence will be born and then materialize. What's interesting is that this text undoubtedly represents for the Agnis the very beginning of this reflection that will lead to decolonization. [...]
[...] The rules in the colonies are indeed complicated: there are different codes, written by the French without taking the time to consult those concerned, which describe their rights and above all their obligations, which can also differ from one territory to another depending on the whims of the governors. What is certain is that these rules (we find the very French terms of 'dues, taxes' . ) are poorly understood by the natives. Moreover, they do not really have the chance to be aware of them. We can also question the fact that these rules were probably created just to give a legal character to colonial exploitation and to ensure that the colonizer is always in their right, even if they are the origin of abuses. [...]
[...] In my opinion, because one could imagine the reaction of France in the opposite case. Conclusion As we can see, economic exploitation, administrative pressure, conscription of a generation for a war that is not really theirs, there are many reasons for the Agnis to complain about the colonial system that enslaves them. And all the more so since the colonial system, if we are not yet at the time of independence claims, is already heavily criticized locally for not having respected, especially in West Africa, the commitments that had been made: a colonization based on protection and not on exploitation, a respect and maintenance of local chiefs that has not been done. [...]
[...] The Agnis show us clearly that they are aware of the economic benefits of a colonization supposedly in their interest. They mention, for example, that 'the gold mines were given to foreigners without compensation for us and it is the Government that took the royalties and kept them.' This is a fairly serious accusation, especially if one considers that it is made before the governor of a country that is now allied but still rival." It is, however, a reality: when Europeans are interested in Africa, in the second half of the 19th century, they know its potential for natural resources, and notably gold mines, diamonds . [...]
[...] A feeling of decline in the face of the past The colonizers thought themselves superior a century ago because, in their opinion, the local peoples did not really have a history and organization. The text proves that yes, but that this history is denied: 'their own subjects could see in this apparatus of abjection, the heirs of their ancient Kings.' There were indeed kings in Africa, but their status simply no longer exists since they are treated just as badly as the others. [...]
