Reasons why the development of Nationalist activities was slow in the French West African Colonies are:
(i) Absence of discrimination: Africans in the civil service had the same opportunities with their French counter-parts. Also, they could not agitate for reforms or changes without paying dearly for their actions.
(ii) Education was restricted to a few: Only citizens had right to full education, the non-citizens did not have. Also, until 1943, mission schools were not allowed.
(iii) indignant policy: Africans may be arrested and detained without trial and this affected their agitation for liberty and freedom.
(iv) Press Censorship: The press was censored, making it difficult for the people to criticize the activities of the government.
(v) Trade Union activities were not allowed by the French officials.
(vi) Employment opportunities open and there was no discrimination, especially for the citizens who occupied the same positions with their French counterparts.
(vii) Citizenship: France extended citizenship rights to Africans in some of its Colonies.
(viii) Election of Africans: Some of them were elected as Deputies into the French chamber and this incapacitated nationalist struggle.
(ix) No formation of political parties and associations: Avenue was not created for the people to come together to form parties or join any political associations. This was a problem because they could not express their opinion on issues about government, let alone take part in decision-making their country
(x) Assimilation as a French policy made the educated elites have the same or equal rights with their French educated counter parts.