Macron’s announcement of MansA, a new African cultural center near the Eiffel Tower, may sound like recognition. But in today’s geopolitical climate, it is hard to separate this kind of cultural diplomacy from France’s desperate attempt to rebuild influence after its humiliating fallout with several postcolonial West African countries.

The real question is simple: who will this center actually serve?

Will it give real space to African artists, thinkers, and independent cultural institutions, or will it become another soft-power corridor where African elites, diplomats, ministers, business leaders, and foreign interests gather under the convenient language of “partnership”?

On May 11, 2026, African delegates convened in Nairobi, Kenya, for the “Africa Forward Summit 2026”. The summit was co-chaired by Kenya’s Western-aligned President, William Ruto, and French President Emmanuel Macron, its theme: “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth”. On paper, this summit marketed itself as a “paradigm shift” in Africa-France relations aimed at building “equitable”, “mutually respectful” partnerships between the two geopolitical entities.

But the antics of President Macron during the summit’s proceedings, the curious timing of the event itself, and the arrests of anti-imperialist activists and international delegates in Nairobi, who staged a peaceful protest against this summit, paint a very different picture of France’s intentions.

In this video, General Secretary of the Communist Party Marxist (CPM) - Kenya, Booker Ngesa Omole, who led the protests along with representatives from anti-imperialist organizations and movements from across the globe, states the reasons for this protests, and comments on the realities behind France's latest stunt in Africa.

On May 11, 2026, African delegates convened in Nairobi, Kenya, for the Africa Forward Summit 2026. The summit was co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, its theme: “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth”. On paper, this summit marketed itself as a “paradigm shift” in Africa-France relations aimed at building “equitable”, “mutually respectful” partnerships between the two geopolitical entities.But the antics of President Macron during the summit’s proceedings, the curious timing of the event itself, and the arrests of anti-imperialist activists and international delegates in Nairobi, who staged a peaceful protest against this summit, paint a very different picture.One which makes little sense in light of France’s claimed newfound affection for Africa, but makes perfect sense in the light of history.
Barra Hart reports for the Spearhead.

⁣Our visit to Jamestown was arranged by my daughter’s lifelong friend and her business partner who lives in
Ghana and grew up in Jamestown. Upon arrival we received a friendly Akwaaba greeting. Most importantly we were able to donate a large quantity of children books and puzzles (all Afrikan centered), school material, along with interacting with the children at the Keep Off The Street Foundation.

Macron’s visit to Kenya was a performance of colonial arrogance.

From schoolchildren being made to look at him like some kind of saviour, to a public forum where he grabbed the room, scolded Africans, and called them disrespectful, to Nairobi roads being shut down for his convoy and even his jog, Macron behaved exactly like colonial power has always behaved in Africa: loud, entitled, intrusive, and convinced that African people exist to listen, clap, and obey.

The most insulting part is not even Macron’s behaviour. It is the African leaders, institutions, and elites who keep making room for this nonsense.

A visitor does not come to your home and order you around. Macron did not come to Kenya to honour Africa. He came to perform power on African soil and everyone who rolled out the red carpet for it should be ashamed.