Prominent Kenyan political analysts and commentators have urged President William Ruto to be extra cautious about French President Emmanuel Macron’s renewed engagement with Africa, warning of what they describe as France’s attempt to “reassert influence” on the continent.

This comes as France, a former colonial power, has been increasingly rejected in the Sahel region and has withdrawn its military presence from several countries, including Senegal.

Recently, President Ruto participated in the “France-Africa Forward Summit,” where he praised France’s renewed engagement in Africa as “inclusive” and “mutually beneficial.”

In response, some Kenyans staged protests, accusing the government of enabling what they termed a “new form of colonialism.” Social media reports also indicated that some demonstrators in Nairobi were teargassed, with claims of police brutality during the protests against the summit.

Several individuals arrested during the protests vowed to continue resisting what they described as France’s post-colonial agenda in Africa.

Critics argue that President Ruto is ignoring France’s colonial history and attempting to support President Macron’s efforts to re-establish influence in Africa through Kenya.

They maintain that France has not suddenly embraced equality, noting that it has faced growing resistance in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Senegal, where its influence has significantly declined.

According to critics, France is seeking alternative entry points into Africa through leaders willing to repackage Western influence as partnership.

They further argue that France’s historical record on the continent—including issues surrounding the CFA franc and disputes over resource control in countries such as Niger—reflects a legacy of extraction and dominance rather than equal partnership.

Pan-Africanist scholar P.L.O. Lumumba has also cautioned against what he describes as France’s renewed diplomatic charm offensive.

“Don’t be fooled by Macron’s latest charm offensive in Kenya,” he warned, arguing that France is seeking to tighten its influence in Africa rather than build genuine partnerships.

Lumumba made the remarks following the French President’s visit to Nairobi for what was previously known as the France-Africa Summit, now rebranded as the Africa-Forward Summit.

During the event, President Macron announced $27 billion in investments. However, Lumumba argued that the initiative reflects continued French efforts to maintain influence on the continent despite declining leverage in the Sahel region.

He further noted that France has faced criticism for its positions on global issues, including abstaining from a United Nations vote declaring the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity, even as it engages in renewed discussions on reparatory justice.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is on a State Visit to host President Ruto at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Thursday.

Although South Africa and Kenya maintain long-standing cordial relations re-established in 1994, South Africa continues to view Kenya as a strategic partner in the East African region and across the continent.

However, Ramaphosa is not expected to attend the France-Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, following the withdrawal of South Africa’s initial invitation to the Paris G7 meeting in June.

The two countries have undertaken reciprocal State Visits in 2021 and 2022. This time, Ramaphosa is expected to reiterate South Africa’s position that Africa must not allow external powers, including France and the European Union, to influence its development agenda.

Kenya remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners in Africa outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with more than 60 South African companies operating in Kenya across various sectors.