Response: Macron Insults Africans At France-Africa Summit in Kenya

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.