Editing French Equatorial Africa (section)

==Administration==
French Equatorial Africa began with the concept of association, which was implemented through treaties promising French protection by the Italian-French explorer [[Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza]] during the mid-1800s, who convinced indigenous communities to cooperate with the French in exchange for greater trade opportunities. This association eventually led to French indirect rule in the region.<ref name=":4">[https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3049000148/GVRL?u=depaul&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=08b8cc22  Colonial Policies and Practices] (2008). In J. Middleton & J. C. Miller (Eds.), ''New Encyclopedia of Africa'' (2nd ed., Vol. 1, pp. 431–465). Charles Scribner's Sons.</ref> However, France's attempts at indirect rule faced consistent resistance from local leaders.<ref name=":0">T. Benjamin (Ed.), ''Encyclopedia of Western Colonialism since 1450'' (Vol. 3, pp. 963–966).</ref>

The AEF was perceived by France as an unstable colony. Therefore, France granted private companies contracts for the exploitation of natural resources like [[ivory]] and [[Natural rubber|rubber]], rather than sustainable investment. Private companies implemented heavy taxation with little to no pay and cruel treatment towards workers and the local communities.<ref name=":0" />

In 1908 French Equatorial Africa was divided into four colonies in hopes of strengthening French authority within the region.<ref>[https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3400100153/GVRL?u=depaul&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=2ee11a81 French Equatorial Africa] (2002). In J. Middleton (Ed.), ''Africa: An Encyclopedia for Students'' (Vol. 2, pp. 74-76). Charles Scribner's Sons.</ref> Until 1934, French Equatorial Africa was a federation of French colonies like [[French West Africa]]. That year, however, the AEF became a unitary entity, its constituent colonies becoming known as regions, and later became known as territories in 1937.<ref>Naval Intelligence Division, 258-260.</ref> There was a single budget for the unified colony; prior to unification, each member had had its own finances.<ref>Naval Intelligence Division, 445.</ref> 

As of 1942, the AEF was administered by a governor-general, who had "the supreme direction of all services, both civil and military."<ref name="NID_258">Naval Intelligence Division, 258.</ref> However, the difference in numbers between administrators and the local populace made it difficult for the French to exercise power outside of their headquarters without voluntary or involuntary indigenous cooperation.<ref>Lawrance, B., & Roberts, R. (2005). [https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3434600141/GVRL?u=depaul&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=40e3b1f2 France in Tropical Africa] In D. L. Shelton (Ed.), ''[[Encyclopedia of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity]]'' (Vol. 1, pp. 383–386). Macmillan Reference USA.</ref> Additionally, the governor-general's power was limited in practice by France's centralizing colonial policy. "Most important legislation is enacted in Paris," wrote the authors of the 1942 British naval intelligence handbook for the colony, "whilst the governor-general fills in minor details and penalties."<ref name="NID_258"/> The governor-general was assisted by a consultative council of administration (''Conseil d'Administration'') composed of important local officials and some members, both African and European, elected indirectly.<ref name="NID_258"/> All major administration positions were appointed by French government and were not accountable to officials elected by the African people. Additionally, France held complete control over diplomacy, defense, and politics.<ref name=":2" />

Under the unified colony, three of the constituent territories, [[Chad]], [[Gabon]], and [[Ubangi-Shari]], were administered by a governor, while [[French Congo|Moyen-Congo]] was under the purview of the governor-general. Each had a council of local interests (''Conseil des Intérêts Locaux'') similar to the council of administration. Locally, the territories were subdivided into ''départements'' and subdivisions overseen by appointed officials.<ref>Naval Intelligence Division, pp.258-261.</ref> The only municipalities were the capitals of the territories, which were classified as ''communes mixtes'' as opposed to Senegal's ''communes de plein exercice'', which had democratically elected councils. Although these municipalities possessed certain powers of local self-government, their mayors and councils—which included African representatives—were appointed.<ref>Naval Intelligence Division, p.261.</ref>