France is set to enhance connections with Africa and establish “equitable partnerships” that benefit the continent, stated Stephane Sejourne, France’s top diplomat, on Saturday. The diplomatic ties between France and some of its former African colonies have experienced a decline, amidst a renewed diplomatic competition in Africa with increasing Russian and Chinese influence.
Sejourne, who embarked on his inaugural Africa tour starting in Kenya and continuing to Rwanda before concluding in Ivory Coast, emphasized the importance of fostering respectful partnerships that are advantageous to all involved nations. He highlighted the significance of diversifying partnerships and ensuring mutual benefits for countries where investments are made.
Africahas been identified as a “priority” in French foreign policy, recognizing the continent’s potential to emerge as a significant cultural, economic, and diplomatic force on the global stage. In Kenya, a key economic player in East Africa, France has expanded its commercial footprint, witnessing a notable increase in French companies operating in the country over the past decade.
Despite the positive strides in commercial relations, challenges such as trade imbalances persist, casting a shadow over the partnerships. Both Sejourne and his Kenyan counterpart, Musalia Mudavadi, acknowledged the need for continuous efforts to address trade disparities and promote collaborative initiatives. Mudavadi highlighted the importance of consistent programs and joint endeavors to tackle trade imbalances, noting the contribution of French companies in generating direct employment opportunities in Kenya.
The ministers outlined areas of collaboration encompassing sports and transportation infrastructure, underscoring the shared commitment to bolstering bilateral ties. Additionally, they advocated for reforming the global climate financing framework to assist developing nations in clean development and climate change adaptation.
During the COP28 summit, France, Kenya, and Barbados launched a coalition aimed at creating an international tax within two years to mobilize substantial funds for climate change mitigation in developing countries. Sejourne’s visit to Rwanda includes participation in the 30th-anniversary commemorations of the 1994 genocide, underscoring the importance of remembrance and reconciliation in the region.
