• The foreign ministers of France and Kenya open the ‘Africa Forward Summit’ in Nairobi on May 11, aiming to strengthen partnerships between France and Anglophone African countries.
  • Analysts say the summit signals a shift in French Africa policy after losing influence in Francophone West Africa, especially the Sahel.
  • French President Macron and Kenyan President Ruto co-chair the summit, focusing on security, economic investment, and green energy.
  • Ruto will advocate for a fairer global financial system for indebted African nations, with French support.
  • Around 30 heads of state and government and international guests are expected.
  • Protests against French neocolonialism in the Sahel led to the withdrawal of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
  • France seeks to offset its loss of influence in Francophone Africa by expanding ties with Anglophone countries like Kenya.

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