What were the features of the French colonial administration in West Africa?

Answer Details

Features of French colonial administration in West Africa

1. Policy of assimilation (and later association): The French aimed to turn Africans into black Frenchmen by imposing French language, culture, laws and customs, so that the colonies were regarded as overseas parts of France.
2. Direct rule (centralisation): The French governed directly through their own appointed officials rather than through traditional rulers, and traditional chiefs were reduced to mere agents who carried out French orders.
3. Highly centralised structure: All the territories were grouped into large federations (French West Africa, based in Dakar, and French Equatorial Africa) under a Governor-General, with power flowing from Paris downwards.
4. Citizen and subject distinction: A few assimilated Africans became French citizens with full rights, while the vast majority remained "subjects" governed by the harsh indigenat code.
5. The indigenat (native code): Subjects were governed by a special code that allowed administrators to punish them summarily without trial.
6. Forced labour and taxation: The system relied heavily on forced (compulsory) labour and heavy direct taxation of the people.
7. Representation in the French Parliament: Citizens from the colonies could elect deputies to represent them in the French National Assembly in Paris.
8. Assimilation of law and the economy tied to France: French law applied to citizens, and the economy was organised to serve metropolitan France.