Concept:The Policy of Association was a French colonial strategy that replaced the earlier Policy of Assimilation.
Explanation:The French colonial administration initially practised the Policy of Assimilation, which aimed to turn Africans into French citizens by imposing French culture and institutions.
That approach failed because it disregarded African traditions and provoked resistance from the local people.
As a result, the French adopted the Policy of Association between 1920 and 1945.
This new policy recognised and preserved the identity, traditions, institutions, religions, customs, and way of life of the people within the French empire.
Under this policy, traditional rulers and local institutions were used as instruments of governance, enabling the French to rule with less opposition.
The British used indirect rule, the Portuguese and Belgians had their own separate systems, but it was the French who specifically adopted the Policy of Association.
Answer:A. French