From an article in BBC News, it seems a Five-Star Movement politician in Italy sees French policy in Africa as fueling the Mediterranean migration crisis. Italian deputy prime minister Luigi Di Maio made the remarks including saying France “never stopped colonising tens of African states“. According to the BBC:

Maio “accused France of manipulating the economies of African countries that use the CFA franc, a colonial-era currency backed by the French treasury. “France is one of those countries that by printing money for 14 African states prevents their economic development and contributes to the fact that the refugees leave and then die in the sea or arrive on our coasts,” he said.

“If Europe wants to be brave, it must have the courage to confront the issue of decolonisation in Africa.” Mr Salvini agreed, labelling France as “one of those countries” that take Africa’s wealth away.

Read the full article here. Is Maio right? What do you think?