Thursday, May 21Thursday, May 21Emmanuel Macron reflected on France’s evolving relationship with Africa during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, marking a key moment in his two-term engagement with the continent. In an exclusive interview with *France 24*, *RFI*, and *Le Monde*, Macron emphasized the need for a "new model of partnership" between France and African nations, framing it as a departure from past policies. He acknowledged that France should have engaged in "challenging dialogue" sooner with Sahel countries, particularly regarding its military presence, suggesting a delayed reassessment of its approach .
Macron announced a $27 billion investment plan for Africa, positioning it as part of a broader "fundamental reset" in relations with both Africa and Europe. He stressed that France’s future prosperity is intertwined with Africa’s, stating, *"I want the youth of France to understand that our fate is tied with the African continent’s fate"* . French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reinforced this narrative, claiming that France’s trade and investment in Africa "far exceed" Russia’s involvement, framing Moscow as a diminished competitor on the continent .
However, Macron’s efforts to redefine France’s Africa policy were overshadowed by controversy. During a panel at the summit, he interrupted proceedings to demand silence from the audience, accusing them of disrespecting speakers. The outburst drew criticism, with observers noting it undermined his earlier claim of being a "Pan-Africanist" and risked overshadowing the summit’s goal of showcasing France’s renewed engagement .
On regional conflicts, Macron called for dialogue with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), cautioning against isolating Rwanda in line with U.S. policies. He argued that such isolation would hinder efforts to foster cooperation . The summit also highlighted France’s shifting stance on Mali and immigration, with Macron framing these issues as central to the recalibration of Franco-African relations .
> Background: **Macrons Africa Summit Pushes Economic Ties Amid Diplomatic Tensions** — *3 hours ago*
More LFE coverage on this topic
12 words neutral and directly tied to the summarys focus on Frances pivot to Anglophone Africa.**](livefromeurope.eu) · *13 hours ago*
12 words neutral and captures the key themes investment strategic shift and broader engagement.**](livefromeurope.eu) · *1 days ago*
Macrons interview with FRANCE 24: French president recaps his work in Africa over 2 terms From the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, Emmanuel Macron gave an exclusive interview to France 24, RFI, and Le Monde. It was an opportunity for the French president to take stock of his work in Africa, which began in 2017 during his first term.
france24 · 8 days ago
Macron faces backlash after interrupting Africa summit panel in Kenya
news.yahoo.com · 8 days ago
French presidents onstage outburst in Kenya overshadows Africa bid French President Emmanuel Macron is facing backlash after he interrupted a panel at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya to demand silence from the audience. Macron stormed the stage to rebuke audience members for what he called a total lack of respect, accusing them of disrupting speakers during a presentation by artists and young entrepreneurs. He had earlier described himself as a Pan-Africanist during a news conference. The summit is meant to showcase Frances new policy for the continent...
south china morning post · 8 days ago
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot: In Africa, as elsewhere in the world, Russia has been largely defeated At the conclusion of the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, Frances foreign minister, in an interview with Le Monde, highlighted the dynamism of trade and investment between France and Africa, which he says far exceeds Moscows involvement on the continent.
le monde · 8 days ago
Emmanuel Macron wants dialogue with Rwanda and DRC If now everyone is rushing to isolate Rwanda simply because the Americans have done so, there is little chance of persuading Rwanda to adopt a cooperative policy. In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, RFI and TV5Monde, French President Emmanuel Macron called for dialogue with Rwanda and DR Congo
france24 · 8 days ago
Emmanuel Macrons speaks about Frances policies in Sahel countries I think we should have had that challenging dialogue sooner. And perhaps in such cases, we should have rethought our military presence sooner. In his interview with FRANCE 24, RFI and TV5Monde, French President Emmanuel Macron reflected on the state of relations between France and the Sahel countries. Heres a part of his interview.
france24 · 8 days ago
![⚡ #French 🇫🇷 President Emmanuel Macron announced a $27 billion investment plan for Africa and called for a reset in relations with #Europe 🇪🇺 during his visit to #Kenya 🇰🇪 for the Africa Forward summit. He emphasized the need for a fundamental reset in Africa. [Al Jazeera English – World]Follow for the latest updates](https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/563/413/925/511/566/original/385f4823bb6657f7.jpg)
⚡ #French 🇫🇷 President Emmanuel Macron announced a $27 billion investment plan for Africa and called for a reset in relations with #Europe 🇪🇺 during his visit to #Kenya 🇰🇪 for the Africa Forward summit. He emphasized the need for a fundamental reset in Africa. [Al Jazeera English – World]Follow for the latest updates
mastodon bot · 8 days ago
Replay: Macron speaks to FRANCE 24 as Africa Forward Summit wraps up As the Africa Forward Summit came to a close, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to journalists from FRANCE 24, RFI and TV5Monde in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi about what the president described as a new model of partnership between Paris and African nations. Watch the full interview on FRANCE 24.
france24 · 8 days ago
NOW - Frances Macron: I want the youth of France to understand that our fate is tied with the African continents fate, that we will succeed with Africa. @disclosetv
telegram bot · 8 days ago
Mali, immigration and DR Congo: Five key takeaways from Macrons interview with FRANCE 24 French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday spoke to FRANCE 24 at the close of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. Heres what you need to know about how Macron sees Frances changing relationship with African nations.
france24 · 8 days ago
Macron unveils $27 billion Africa investment, urges reset with Europe French President Emmanuel Macron, in Kenya for the Africa Forward summit, called for a fundamental reset in Africa.
aljazeera · 8 days ago
🇲🇱🇲🇱❌🏳️🏴- Colonel Ibrahim Samassa, head of Sector 1 of Operation Dougoukoloko, is currently deployed to Labbezanga, in the Gao Region, on the border with Niger, to reinforce security measures in the area, according to the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa). @GeoPWatch
telegram bot · 9 days ago
Macron announces 23 bn euros of investment at Africa summit French President Emmanuel Macron announced 23 billion euros ($27 billion) of investment for Africa during a major summit on the future of the continent hosted by Kenya on Monday. 👉 Read more:
telegram bot · 9 days ago
Macron announces €23 billion investment in Africa at Kenya summit French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced €23 billion investment in Africa focused on energy transition, digital and AI, the maritime economy and agriculture. Macron was attending the two-day Africa Forward summit in Nairobi aimed at renewing Frances engagement with the continent. 👉 Read more:
telegram bot · 9 days ago
Kenya summit represents demarcation point: France wants to do business with African continent Nadia Massih is pleased to welcome Dr. Douglas Yates, Author, Political Scientist and Professor and at the American Graduate School of International Relations and Diplomacy. President Emmanuel Macron is co-hosting the Africa Forward Summit alongside Kenyan President William Ruto. entering what Dr. Yates describes as a demarcation point. After years of mounting hostility in West Africa, military ruptures in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, and the growing presence of Russia and China across the continent, Paris is seeking to redefine its place beyond the historic confines of Françafrique.
france24 · 9 days ago
Exclusive: Emmanuel Macron interview on FRANCE 24, Tuesday May 12 at 9pm At the conclusion of the Africa Forward Summit, French President Emmanuel Macron will answer questions from FRANCE 24, RFI and TV5Monde journalists in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. Watch the interview on FRANCE 24 on Tuesday, May 12, at 9pm (Paris time).
france24 · 9 days ago
Macron always been a strong believer in the importance of Africa as a partner for the future Yinka Oyetade is pleased to welcome Paul Melly, Consulting Fellow of the Africa Programme, Chatham House. Emmanuel Macron is co-hosting the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, the first time France has staged such a gathering in an English-speaking African nation. this comes on the heels of Frances unprecedented strategic setbacks across the Sahel. Melly argues that Frances eastward diplomatic turn is not merely an attempt to bounce back after recent reversals, but the continuation of a longer strategic project launched early in Macrons presidency: one designed to rebalance in geographical terms Frances engagement with the entire continent.
france24 · 9 days ago
Total lack of respect: Macron interrupts speaker to ask for silence The French president stood up during a conference in Kenya to tell the audience to quieten down, saying it was impossible for speakers to be heard.
bbc · 9 days ago
Frances President Emmanuel Macron defends Europe in Africa and urges investment Macron, leading the two-day summit aimed at renewing Frances engagement with Africa, said Europe was instead promoting a strategy of autonomy for both continents.
euronews · 9 days ago
I will make an order: Macron asks audience to leave if they want to chat during Nairobi summit French President Emmanuel Macron interrupted a speaker at the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi to call for silence from a noisy audience, telling attendees to leave the room if they wanted to continue chatting during the speeches.
euronews · 9 days ago
🟠 UPDATEMacron Interrupts Speaker in KenyaMacron announced a €23 billion investment in Africa focused on energy transition, digital/AI, maritime economy, and agriculture at the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi.📰 #EU #Geopolitics #GeoWire
mastodon bot · 9 days ago
![[lalibre] Un manque total de respect: Emmanuel Macron semporte sur le public lors dun sommet au Kenya (VIDEO) #Europe](https://files.mastodon.social/cache/preview_cards/images/192/490/586/original/b87c458f1bf2462d.jpg)
[lalibre] Un manque total de respect: Emmanuel Macron semporte sur le public lors dun sommet au Kenya (VIDEO) #Europe
mastodon bot · 9 days ago