France hosts African leaders in Kenya in bid to move past colonial ties
France's president is breaking with a decades-old tradition by hosting its periodic Africa summit outside Paris for the first time, in Nairobi. The leaders will discuss security, the energy transition and continental free trade. The move puts a new emphasis on 'equal partnership' as France's Sahel military footprint has collapsed.
The French presidency is moving its periodic Africa summit out of Paris for the first time since the gatherings began in the 1970s, hosting the meeting in Nairobi. The change of venue formally ends the traditional 'France hosts, Africa visits' format. More than 30 heads of state and government are expected to attend.
At the top of the agenda are security in the Sahel and the Great Lakes region, the continental free-trade area and partnerships in green industry. Paris is trying to reposition its strategic influence after pulling its troops out of Mali and Niger. African leaders are bringing debt loads, IMF quotas and uneven financing for the energy transition to the table.
Observers note that Paris's hand is relatively weaker as China and Russia expand their footprint. The French government is preparing to announce a new development fund, while the African Union is pressing for structural changes, not just new language. The summit communiqué is due on Friday.
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