• Activists and pan-African groups held protests, accusing France of trying to regain influence after losing influence in parts of West Africa, according to regional and international reports. 
  • Comments by Kenyan artist Nviiri the Storyteller that African creatives are “not decoration for power” started a broad debate about using artists for political reasons. 
  • President Macron’s tense exchange with an outspoken audience at the University of Nairobi in May made discussions about respect, tone, and African agency at international events even more intense.




The Africa Forward Summit revealed deep divisions in Africa, with major deals announced even as many people protested. While Presidents William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron attended events at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and the University of Nairobi (KICC), thousands gathered outside to protest what they called “neo-colonialism 2.0.”

The summit faced strong public backlash. Activists and pan-African groups held protests, accusing France of trying to regain influence after losing influence in parts of West Africa, according to regional and international reports. Police used tear gas near KICC and arrested about a dozen people, including some foreigners, according to national media.

Comments by Kenyan artist Nviiri the Storyteller that African creatives are “not decoration for power” started a broad debate about using artists for political reasons. This has led people to question the role of artists in politics, especially as recent political events in Kenya have increasingly linked artists and their music to political movements and ideologies.

President Macron’s tense exchange with an outspoken audience at the University of Nairobi in May made discussions about respect, tone, and African agency at international events even more intense.

Critics say the summit shows France is trying to rebuild its position through new economic and defense partnerships, even as more Africans call for real independence. The developments have also highlighted growing anti-French sentiment in parts of West Africa. 

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At the end of the summit, Kenya and France signed several agreements on infrastructure, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and port development.

President Macron announced €23 billion (about $27 billion USD) in private investment pledges. The Nairobi Declaration called for global financial reforms to lower borrowing costs for African countries and support more independence. President Ruto said these moves are steps toward equal partnerships.

The main point is whether these agreements will benefit everyday citizens or add to worries about unfair power dynamics. Kenya now has to balance new investments with rising calls for self-determination across Africa and the world.


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