"Reshaping French relations in Africa"

Ivory Coast showdown threatens to reshape French relations in Africa

For more than 100 years, French families have made their homes in this tropical country, rich in coffee and cocoa. Its main city, with its towering skyscrapers, crisp croissants and fine wines, became known as the Paris of West Africa.

Now an unparalleled and deadly showdown between France and its former prize colony has sent the majority of them fleeing wild looting and burning. For many on both sides of the crisis, it was a turning point that threatens to reshape France's cozy relationship with its former African empire.

"It is the end of the decolonisation process," said one French longtime resident, an auto parts dealer who asked not to be named. Until now, Ivory Coast has maintained strong political, economic, military and cultural ties with its ex-colonial master, prompting critics to say West Africa's economic hub never fully established independence at the end of French rule in 1960.

Full Article : hindustantimes.com