French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné is in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday. This marks his first tour in sub-Saharan Africa since assuming office in January. He will then proceed to Rwanda to represent France at the ceremonies commemorating the 30th anniversary of the genocide, followed by a visit to Ivory Coast.
In Nairobi, Stéphane Séjourné will hold discussions with President William Ruto and engage with Kenyan students. Paris emphasizes an “enhanced dynamic” between the two countries.
President Macron visited Kenya in 2019, and since then, the relationship between the two countries has “strengthened,” according to a diplomatic source. Kenyan President William Ruto has also visited Paris twice since his election in 2022.
This dynamic can be observed particularly in environmental matters. Both countries advocate for the establishment of an international tax to assist developing countries in addressing climate change. A joint declaration is expected on Saturday, calling for increased climate financing.
The choice of Nairobi as the first stop on this inaugural tour of sub-Saharan Africa also reflects France’s desire to demonstrate that its relationship with Africa extends beyond security issues, according to sources close to the minister. The economic aspect will not be overlooked. Kenya already hosts 140 French companies, employing over 30,000 people, and France ranks as the 5th largest investor there.
Furthermore, France sees Kenya as an active diplomatic partner in the region, particularly in Sudan. As Paris is set to host an international humanitarian conference on the year-long war in Sudan on April 15th.