French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Kenya as the Africa Forward Summit opens in Nairobi, bringing together African leaders for a two-day engagement aimed at reshaping France’s relations with the continent.
The summit is expected to highlight France’s new approach to Africa, moving away from its traditional influence model to what Paris describes as a partnership of equals, against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical realities and the recent withdrawal of French troops from West Africa.
Since the independence of France’s former African colonies, France had maintained a policy of economic, political and military sway dubbed Françafrique, which included keeping thousands of troops in the region.
But leaders in those countries — and opposition figures — have often criticised France over what they described as a demeaning and heavy-handed approach to the continent.
Macron’s host, Kenyan President William Ruto, said both leaders expect the summit to be a “turning point” toward a better partnership.
Macron commented on the changing geopolitical landscape, saying France can “disagree” with West African governments but “never disagrees with the people.”
The two-day summit, which starts on Monday, is expected to welcome 30 heads of state. Ten have arrived so far.
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Kenya’s opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka slammed the choice of Kenya as a venue, describing it as a country where democracy remains under threat, the opposition is under attack and human rights are being violated even as it prepares for the 2027 general election.
“There will be an air of pretence that we are a cohesive nation,” Musyoka said. “We know that is far from the truth.”
Ruto on Sunday said Nairobi seeks to nurture a wide array of relationships and was “neither looking East nor West” but “looking forward.”
Also, Kenya and France signed 11 agreements involving investments in various sectors, including an ambitious nuclear energy plant, modernized transport, and sustainable agriculture.
Macron said the investments were aimed at strengthening “human capital,” in line with the summit’s focus on innovation and Africa’s growing young population.
This is the second visit by a French President to the East African country.
Africanews
