Africa summit in Kenya: France seeks new partners

"“France has lost a great deal of prestige and influence in Francophone African countries, especially in the Sahel region,” Ulf Laessing, head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Sahel regional program in Mali, told DW. “It is now making a strong effort to expand into other Anglophone countries South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria in order to reposition itself and present itself as Africa's supposedly most important partner.”"

"Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto will showcase their new partnership as co-chairs of the summit. The focus will be on enhanced security, economic investment, and green energy. Ruto also intends to discuss making the global financial system more equitable for indebted African nations. France has pledged to support this campaign. Around 30 heads of state and government, as well as international guests, are expected to attend."

"“There is a clear connection,” Laessing said. “The aim is to offset the loss of influence in Francophone Africa by gaining more influence in Anglophone countries.” Though France may also want to expand into its former colonies later on, should the military regimes in the Sahel eventually fall, Laessing adde"

Foreign ministers of France and Kenya open the Africa Forward Summit at the University of Nairobi on May 11, aiming to find common ground. The two-day meeting is the first France hosts in an English-speaking African country outside its traditional partners. Analysts link the summit to a shift away from France’s previous Africa policy in West Africa. France has lost prestige and influence in Francophone African countries, especially in the Sahel, and seeks expansion into anglophone states such as South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. Macron and President William Ruto co-chair the summit and highlight security, economic investment, and green energy. Ruto also calls for a more equitable global financial system for indebted African nations, with France pledging support. Around 30 heads of state and government are expected to attend.

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