Theory question 107
Constitutional Development in NigeriaExplain the importance of the Brazzaville Conference of 1944 in the constitutional development of French West Africa.
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Points:
1. Called by de Gaulle in 1944 to reward Africans for supporting Free France in WW2.
2. Recommended abolition of forced labour and the indigénat (native code).
3. Recommended French citizenship and representation of Africans in French Parliament (Constituent Assembly).
4. Recommended territorial assemblies in each colony.
5. Promised more economic and social development and education.
6. Encouraged formation of political parties (e.g. RDA, 1946) and growth of nationalism.
7. Laid the groundwork for the 1946 Constitution (French Union), Loi Cadre (1956) and later independence.
8. However, it rejected self-government/independence outside the French bloc.
Show both what it recommended and how it led to later reforms.