Macron in Kenya: A Bid to Counter Russian Influence in Africa

French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Kenya raises questions about whether it can mend Paris’s relationship with its former colonies, a bond frayed in recent years by successive military coups that expelled French forces. The trip is part of a broader African tour that has already taken him to Egypt and will conclude in Ethiopia on Wednesday.

On Monday in Nairobi, Macron met with his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto. Many observers note that Ruto has secured significant gains through this rapprochement with Paris, particularly after Kenya was invited to participate in the upcoming G7 summit, scheduled for June in the French city of Évian.

Shifting Alliances and a New Strategy

The visit comes as French influence in Africa wanes, while Russia successfully cements its presence in nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, and the Central African Republic. This shift has pushed the French president to bet on English-speaking countries as a new avenue for influence.

Political analyst specializing in African affairs, Maysaa Nawaf Abdel Khaleq, commented that Macron’s Nairobi trip signals a clear French attempt to re-enter the continent through Kenya’s gateway. She described it as a response to a series of setbacks France has suffered in the Sahel region, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where Paris’s role has diminished in favor of other powers—namely Moscow, Beijing, and Ankara.

Abdel Khaleq told "Erem News" that the visit has multiple dimensions, including an effort to shed the image of the old colonial power and recast itself as an economic and security partner. She noted that France withdrew its troops under criticism from regional populations who viewed them as representing the former colonizer.

She emphasized that the traditional rhetoric previously used by France is now rejected by African peoples, prompting Paris to adopt a new approach centered on promoting investments, advanced technology, and infrastructure. “Kenya was chosen because it is one of the most politically and economically stable countries in Africa and a vital gateway to the eastern part of the continent,” she added. “France is trying to enter through Nairobi’s door to compensate for its losses in the Sahel and to counter Chinese-Russian expansion. The visit also carries a security dimension given the challenges African states face, especially after recent events in Mali.”

Economic Ambitions and a Damaged Legacy

France has not only lost military influence in Africa. Several of its companies, such as "Orano," which specializes in uranium extraction, have been forced to leave the continent.

Political analyst specializing in African affairs, Eric Eziba, believes Macron’s visit to Kenya reflects Paris’s ambition to restore its clout despite widespread criticism. He noted that many view France as having exploited and even plundered the continent’s wealth, creating an unequal relationship.

Eziba told "Erem News" that President Macron is betting on economic partnerships as a gateway to restoring his country’s influence, both in Kenya and other African nations. This is especially relevant given the crises surrounding the continent due to wars in places like Ukraine and the Middle East. He pointed to the large delegation of French company directors accompanying Macron—including Rodolphe Saadé from CMA CGM—as evidence. “I expect major investments to be announced on the sidelines of the visit,” Eziba said.