The method used by the French to show down the development of nationalist activities in West Africa territories was

The method used by the French to slow down the development of nationalist activities in West Africa territories was "the indigenat." The indigenat was a system of colonial governance that gave French officials vast powers over the indigenous population in West Africa. Under the indigenat, French officials could detain, imprison, and punish individuals without trial or legal representation. The system was designed to maintain French control over the territories and prevent any nationalist activities that could threaten French colonial rule. It was a brutal and oppressive system that was in place until the mid-20th century when African countries began to gain independence from European colonial powers. Free press, free education, and certification were not effective methods used by the French to slow down the development of nationalist activities in West Africa territories.