Explain the importance of the Brazzaville Conference of 1944 in the constitutional development of French
Explain the importance of the Brazzaville Conference of 1944 in the constitutional development of French West Africa
Explanation
(i) The aim of the Brazzaville Conference was to determine the future relationship between France and her colonies and also to determine the lines along which the colonies should develop.
(ii) It was there that agreement was reached for African colonies to send their representatives to the first and second Constituent Assemblies in Paris.
(iii) The Conference decided that colonies should have Local Assemblies or Legislatures with African and French representatives.
(iv) It was agreed at the Conference that African culture, condemned originally, be left intact.
(v) French citizenship should be extended to all Africans.
(vi) The indigenous Policy which was used to clamp down on all opposition to the French colonial rule was abolished.
(vii) The Conference recommended autonomy of various units
(viii) The Conference also abolished forced labour