‘It’s a fresh start’: Kenya makes case for France summit in Nairobi

A billboard featuring Kenya’s President William Ruto and France’s Emmanuel Macron ahead of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.

Photo credit: Reuters

Kenya has urged African nations to treat next week’s France–Africa Summit in Nairobi as a chance to reset relations with Paris, despite lingering concerns over France’s historical role on the continent.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the summit offers an opportunity to recalibrate Africa’s engagement with France around present-day priorities rather than past grievances.