Emmanuel Macron has touched down in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit, where France aims to launch what it terms a more equitable partnership with African nations. This summit, which is taking place in Nairobi, comes as France confronts diminishing influence across West Africa and rethinks its military and political presence on the continent.
Spanning two days, this summit is co-hosted by France and Kenya, welcoming over 30 heads of state and government officials from across Africa. It marks the first time France has held a substantial Africa summit in an English-speaking nation, underscoring its eagerness to bolster relations with Anglophone African countries. French officials assert that this fresh strategy emphasizes economic collaboration, innovation, trade, and defense partnerships over traditional political dominance.
Historically, France exerted strong control over many of its former colonies in Africa through a practice dubbed “Françafrique,” which included military bases, political alliances, and extensive economic engagement in West and Central Africa. However, mounting criticism from African leaders and local populations concerning France's involvement has led to the withdrawal of French troops from several nations. Governments in the Sahel region have specifically charged France with maintaining a dated and overly forceful approach to African relations.
During his visit, President Macron asserted that even when there may be disagreements with African governments, France “never diverges from the people.” French officials are hopeful that this new policy will foster partnerships anchored in mutual respect and aligned interests. Additionally, Paris is keen to strengthen relations with nations beyond its traditional Francophone domain, as the geopolitical landscape shifts with increased Chinese and Russian interests in Africa.
A significant topic of discussion at the summit revolves around the recently sanctioned defense cooperation deal between France and Kenya. Signed in October 2025 and ratified by the Kenyan parliament early this year, the agreement entails military training, intelligence sharing, and collaborative defense operations. Reports indicate that approximately 800 French troops arrived in Kenya prior to the summit to support these enhanced defense activities.
However, this agreement has sparked backlash from civil society and activists in Kenya, who argue that it provides excessive legal immunity to foreign forces, thereby undermining local accountability. Issues similar to those seen with past agreements between the UK and Kenya have raised alarm about potential human rights violations by foreign soldiers. Conversely, proponents assert that collaboration with advanced military forces will bolster Kenya's national security and defense capabilities.
Analysts suggest that the Africa Forward Summit serves as a crucial juncture for France as it seeks to recalibrate its presence in Africa. With numerous African nations clamoring for greater autonomy and less foreign military footprint, France aims to pivot towards diplomacy, trade, and strategic alliances rather than direct intervention. Observers opine that the success of France's revised strategy will hinge on whether African countries perceive this new approach as authentic cooperation or merely a rebranding of conventional practices.
