France Seeks to Move Beyond Colonial Ties as African Leaders Meet in Kenya
Hosted in Nairobi by Kenyan President William Ruto, the Africa summit doubles as a diplomatic reset for France after the loss of military bases in the Sahel and a wave of anti-French sentiment. Paris is offering more equal economic partnerships and joint security cooperation in return for renewed influence.
French President Emmanuel Macron is using a summit in Nairobi hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto to attempt a diplomatic reset with African leaders, the BBC reported. Over the past three years France has lost military bases in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger after coups and demands for the withdrawal of French troops, while popular sentiment against the former colonial power has hardened across parts of West and Central Africa.
In his opening remarks, Macron acknowledged the historical legacy of colonialism and said France was ready to engage in what he called partnerships of equals. The summit's agenda includes investment commitments, security cooperation, university exchanges and joint research projects on climate adaptation. Several African leaders, including from Senegal and Ivory Coast, said they expected concrete deliverables rather than political symbolism.
BBC reporters at the venue noted lively debates among participants over French language policy, debt restructuring for African states and the speed of returning African cultural artefacts held in French museums. African civil-society organisations have urged Paris to clarify its position on military redeployments after the Sahel withdrawal. A joint communique is expected at the close of the summit.
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