Religion played a pivotal role in the colonization of African peoples, often serving as both a tool of control and a point of contention between colonial authorities and local communities. This presentation examines the concept of religious tolerance under colonial rule, using the case of Côte d'Ivoire to explore the limitations and contradictions of such policies. While colonial powers, particularly the French, promoted an image of tolerance towards indigenous religious practices these policies were often selective and coercive, favouring the dominance of Christianity and marginalizing traditional and Islamic beliefs. By analysing archival documents and historical accounts, this study highlights how religious tolerance was strategically manipulated to maintain colonial power, revealing deeper insights into the complex dynamics of faith, governance, and resistance in colonial Africa. The findings offer a critical perspective on the enduring legacies of colonial religious policies in contemporary West African societies.