By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, yesterday arrived in Kenya for the African Forward Summit commencing on Monday, and was received by Kenya’s President, William Ruto. The summit is a two-day event, which France designed to redefine its relationship with African countries to reflect equality and partnership for innovation and growth, according to the French government. No fewer than thirty African heads of state are expected to participate in the summit, and as of yesterday, Sunday, at least ten African heads of state are already in Kenya for the summit. The summit is the first of its kind by France in an English-speaking country.
Presidents Macron and Ruto, yesterday, signed at least ten agreements on investment, transport modernization, agriculture, and nuclear energy.
Reacting to the summit, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, said that the summit is anticipated to be a “turning point.” This he said, pointing out that Kenya looks neither to the East nor West, but forward. On his part, President Macron, who is visiting Kenya for the second time, also noted that France can disagree with “governments” in Africa, but “never disagrees with the people.”
In the last three years, France has been faced with difficulty managing its relationship with its former colonies, some of whom now prefer Russia or China for technical and military support. This move by France might be geared towards restoring its waning influence in Africa.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu this morning landed in Nairobi, Kenya, to join other African leaders for the summit.
