**Breaking News: 14 African Nations Still Paying Colonial Tax to France**

In a shocking revelation, it has been uncovered that 14 African countries are still shackled to France through a colonial tax system that echoes the horrors of slavery and colonization. This financial obligation, often referred to as a “colonial tax,” demands that these nations pay reparations to their former colonizer, a practice that has persisted long after formal independence.

The implications of this arrangement are staggering. These nations, burdened with the weight of historical exploitation, are forced to divert significant portions of their national budgets to France, while their own economies struggle to thrive. For example, in Togo, a staggering 40% of the national budget in 1963 was allocated to this colonial debt, crippling the country’s development efforts.

The colonial tax is just one facet of a broader neocolonial relationship. France maintains military bases in these countries under the guise of security, ensuring continued influence over political and economic affairs. This presence often leads to direct intervention in domestic conflicts, as seen in Côte d’Ivoire, where French forces bombed a presidential palace, asserting control over African governance.

Moreover, the use of the CFA franc, a currency printed and controlled by France, further entrenches economic dependency. This currency system allows France to benefit disproportionately from the natural resources of these nations, such as uranium from Niger, purchased at a fraction of the market value.

As calls for independence and self-determination grow louder across the continent, the legacy of colonialism remains a heavy burden. Leaders who have attempted to break free from this cycle, like Sylvanus Olympio of Togo and Modibo Keïta of Mali, faced dire consequences, including assassination and coups orchestrated by former French military personnel.

The time for accountability is now. The voices of the oppressed are rising, demanding an end to this exploitative relationship and a reclamation of their sovereignty. The world watches as these nations confront their past and strive for a future free from colonial shackles.