(Thumbnail image: BBC)

Get more multi-source world news from Newsy.com. 

France’s Bastille Day celebration included leaders from 13 former African colonies. The French government called their inclusion a tribute to Africans who fought for France in both world wars. But some critics have accused France of “colonial nostalgia,” and others criticize the human rights track records of some of the African leaders who participated.

We’re analyzing coverage of the Bastille Day controversy from Afrik-News, Radio France International, Continental News, CNN and France 24.

One problem protesters have with the inclusion of former colonies is that it trivializes the colonies’ struggle for freedom. But Afrik-news supports the leaders’ decision to participate, writing:

“After all, the French president had invited them to the French national holiday. And on the other hand, is it not advisable to desist from igniting the wrath of mighty economic partners like France?”

The debate brings up the issue of how much responsibility current leaders bear for previous mistakes their countries have made. Historian Immanuel Wallerstein explains to Radio France International:

“Well there’s been a big debate in France about apologizing for the sins of the past. Countries are being called upon all over the place to apologize for the sins of past, and they’re usually very reluctant to do it, and certainly President Sarkozy has indicated he doesn’t really think that’s an appropriate thing.”

France rejects accusations of glamorizing or trying to atone for colonialism, saying instead the colonies were included to acknowledge what Mr. Sarkozy calls the “blood tie” between France and its colonies. Continental News explains:

“The French President... [said] that it was simply an occasion for the two parties to celebrate their common history.”

But a more serious accusation France faces is condoning world leaders who violate human rights.

“Critics denounced, though, this move, saying that some of the African leaders and troops should be facing trial for war crimes. The government dismissed the charges as unfounded.” (CNN)

France 24 explains in more detail why protesters have concerns about the former colonies who took part in France’s national celebration:

“The Economist labeled nine out of the 13 countries as authortarian in its most recent democracy index. Human rights campaigners have also voiced concern some of the soldiers could be guilty of violating human rights.”

So, what do you think? Is the government ignoring and thus tacitly condoning human rights violations? Or is France merely trying to maintain diplomatic relations with its former colonies?