In the 1950s, as a prerequisite to gaining political independence, 14 African Countries were forced by France to sign a pact for the continuation of colonisation that included paying Colonial Tax for the Benefits of Slavery and Colonization among other 11 conditions. This pact has burdened countries and continues to cripple their economies while maintaining the French stronghold.

Despite the realization of political independence by all Africa states, they still face challenges in achieving the desired economic growth necessary to improve the lives of their people.

According to the Human Development Index report 2019, out of 189 countries studied for economic development, 86% (12 of the 14) countries are in the bottom quarter of least developed countries in the world. Three of them (Chad, CAR and Niger) being the least developed with human development indices of 0.401, 0.367 and 0.354 respectively.

The mission and mandate of the United Nations is to ‘Maintain International Peace and Security.’ Eradicating conflicts across the globe is the pivotal duty of the United Nations with a focus on seeking to improve lives and transform communities.

We call on the United Nations to make a formal inquiry and report on the impact and limitations the pact for the continuation of colonisation treaty has had on the 14 African nations.