France, through unjust agreements, has been controlling the foreign currency reserves of several African countries since 1961. These countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Some sources estimate that France has amassed over 500 billion dollars from these nations. Under these agreements, France permits these countries to access only 15 percent of their reserves annually. If they need more, they must request a loan from France and repay it with market interest rates. This colonial system has turned former French colonies in Africa into perpetual colonies, and the idea of independence has become nothing more than words on paper. France has connected these nations through a permanent colonization strategy, imposing conditions through intimidation and exactions. These conditions have included the use of the "CFA franc," also known as the "African Colonial Franc," as well as control over education, military agreements, and trade relations. The French exploitation, which began in the 1950s, involved clauses in the independence agreements with African countries: The newly independent African countries had to repay colonial debts to France in exchange for what France considered to be the benefits of its colonial rule. Automatic seizure of national reserves: France compelled these countries to deposit their cash reserves in the French central bank. Since 1961, France has taken control of the foreign currency reserves of Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Some sources suggest that France has accumulated more than 500 billion dollars from these countries. France allows these nations access to only 15 percent of their reserves annually. If they require more, they must request loans from France and repay them with market interest rates. The following are among the oppressive measures imposed by France on these nations: France's right to refuse the exploitation of discovered raw materials or natural resources: France reserves the right to assess any mineral, raw material, or natural resource found in its former colonies. If France isn't interested in exploiting the resource, the colony can seek other partners. Priority for French interests and companies in public contracts: According to French dictates, priority must be given to French companies in all contracts and public deals. Only if French companies aren't interested can the colonies search for other partners, regardless of the superiority of non-French offers in terms of importance, quality, and cost. Exclusive right to supply military equipment and train military personnel: France maintains a complex system for sending military personnel from its colonies for training in France or institutions run by the French. This has led to accusations of creating dormant cells under French influence that can be exploited when needed. France's right to send its troops and intervene militarily in these countries: France has the right to intervene militarily and deploy permanent French forces in its colonies based on defense agreements. These conditions, among others, also include France's imposition on these African nations to forsake military alliances with other countries unless authorized by France. Additionally, these nations are obligated to form alliances with France in case of war or major international crises. Has the story ended here? Not at all—it's far from over.