France resets its Africa strategy in Kenya as old alliances fade

France is seeking to redefine its relationship with African nations at a major summit in Kenya as it faces growing resistance to its military presence across West Africa, reports Associated Press News on May 11th.

The two-day Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by Kenya and France, opened on May 11th in Nairobi and brings together more than 30 African heads of state and government. The gathering comes as France completes military withdrawals from several West African countries where its influence has sharply declined in recent years.

French President Emmanuel Macron says Paris wants to move toward a “partnership of equals” with African countries, distancing itself from its long-standing policy of political and military dominance in former colonies, often referred to as “Françafrique.”

Kenya has emerged as a key partner in France’s new Africa strategy. The two countries recently ratified a defence cooperation agreement that French officials say reflects a more balanced relationship focused on training and intelligence-sharing.

However, the deal has drawn criticism from Kenyan civil society groups, who argue it grants excessive legal protections to French troops operating in the country.

Critics have compared the agreement to a similar pact with the United Kingdom that became controversial following several high-profile incidents involving British soldiers stationed in Kenya.

One of the most notable cases was the 2012 death of Agnes Wanjiru, a young Kenyan woman last seen with a British soldier near a military training base in Nanyuki. The case intensified public scrutiny over foreign troop immunity and accountability.

The debate comes as several African nations, particularly in the Sahel region, have moved to expel or reduce foreign military forces in what leaders describe as efforts to reclaim national sovereignty.

Despite the backlash, Kenyan lawmakers have defended the new agreements, saying partnerships with advanced militaries strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.

Parliament defence committee chair Nelson Koech insisted the treaties do not undermine Kenya’s sovereignty and said newer agreements ensure foreign personnel can face trial in Kenya for serious crimes.

The summit is expected to test whether France can successfully rebuild trust and influence on a continent where attitudes toward foreign powers are rapidly changing.

Associated Press News, Maghrebi.org