Pan-African movements and civil society organisations in Kenya organised a rival gathering in Nairobi to protest the Africa-France Summit, known as “Africa Forward,” attended by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The alternative event, called the “Pan African Summit Against Imperialism,” attracted activists and advocacy groups who accused France of disguising continued neo-colonial influence in Africa as economic partnership and development cooperation.
Demonstrators marched through sections of Nairobi carrying red flags and placards with slogans such as “Down with Imperialism!” and “Resist the Imperialist Drive to War.”
Clips shared online showed protesters insisting the demonstration was peaceful before security forces in riot gear moved in. Smoke was seen in some areas of the city, while local media reports said several protesters were arrested.
The Africa Forward meeting is notable for being the first large-scale France-Africa summit hosted in a non-Francophone African nation, a development that has drawn criticism from anti-imperialist and Pan-African groups.
According to organisers of the rival summit, France is seeking to preserve its political and economic influence in Africa through a renewed diplomatic strategy despite increasing opposition to French involvement in parts of the continent.
The protests further highlighted ongoing tensions over France’s presence in Africa, especially in countries where resentment toward French military, political and economic influence has intensified.
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