The pattern of rule by the French in her West African colonies was highly

Analyze the question: The question asks about the style of colonial administration the French used in their West African colonies, such as Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Dahomey, Mali (French Sudan), and Guinea.

Explain the concept: France practiced a policy of direct rule tied to assimilation. Under this system:

• Power was concentrated in Paris, with the Ministry of Colonies in charge.
• The colonies were grouped into a federation, French West Africa (AOF), headed by a Governor-General based in Dakar, Senegal.
• Each colony had a Lieutenant-Governor who took instructions from the Governor-General.
• Traditional rulers were treated as junior officials. They were often replaced and had little real authority.
• French laws, language, and culture were applied across the colonies.

This is the opposite of British indirect rule, which used traditional rulers and allowed more local variation.

Solution, option by option:

• A. Decentralized: Wrong. Authority did not rest with local units, since decisions flowed from Paris and Dakar.
• B. Proportional: Wrong. This term describes representation systems, not colonial administration.
• C. Consultative: Wrong. Africans were rarely consulted, and chiefs simply carried out French orders.
• D. Centralized: Correct. Administration was tightly controlled from Paris through the Governor-General in Dakar down to local commandants.

Tip: Remember "French = Fully centralized, Direct, Assimilation" and "British = Indirect rule." If a WASSCE question asks about French colonial rule, think centralized, direct, and assimilation.