Post by : Shakul

Emmanuel Macron arrived in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit, where France is promoting what it describes as a new and more equal partnership with African nations. The summit, which began in Nairobi, comes at a time when France is facing declining influence in several West African countries and is restructuring its political and military strategy across the continent.

The two-day summit is being co-hosted by France and Kenya and is attended by more than 30 African heads of state and government officials. It is the first time France has organised a major Africa summit in an English-speaking African nation, highlighting Paris’ growing interest in strengthening ties with Anglophone African countries. French officials say the new strategy focuses on economic cooperation, innovation, trade and defence partnerships rather than traditional political influence.

France has historically maintained strong control and influence over many of its former African colonies through a system often referred to as “Françafrique.” This included military bases, political alliances and economic involvement across West and Central Africa. However, increasing criticism from African leaders and local populations over France’s role in the region has led to the withdrawal of French troops from several countries in recent years. Many governments in the Sahel region have accused France of maintaining an outdated and heavy-handed approach to African affairs.

During his visit, President Macron stated that France may sometimes disagree with African governments but “never disagrees with the people.” French officials say the country’s new policy aims to build partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests. Paris is also seeking to improve relations with countries outside its traditional Francophone sphere as geopolitical competition in Africa continues to increase with growing involvement from China, Russia and other global powers.

One of the key topics at the summit is the recently approved defence cooperation agreement between France and Kenya. The agreement was signed in October 2025 and ratified by the Kenyan parliament earlier this year. Under the deal, France and Kenya will cooperate on military training, intelligence sharing and defence operations. Around 800 French troops reportedly arrived in Kenya before the summit as part of expanded defence activities between the two countries.

However, the agreement has faced criticism from civil society groups and activists in Kenya. Critics argue that the deal gives too much legal protection to foreign troops and limits accountability under Kenyan law. Concerns have been raised because similar defence agreements with the United Kingdom previously led to controversies involving crimes allegedly committed by foreign soldiers in Kenya. Supporters of the agreement, however, say cooperation with advanced military forces will strengthen Kenya’s national security and defence capabilities.

Analysts believe the Africa Forward Summit represents an important moment for France as it attempts to redefine its role in Africa. With several African nations demanding greater sovereignty and reduced foreign military presence, France is trying to shift toward diplomacy, trade and strategic partnerships rather than direct influence. Observers say the success of France’s new Africa strategy will depend on whether African countries view the new approach as genuine cooperation or simply a rebranding of old policies.

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