Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has slammed France’s ties with African nations, claiming that France is not working for the interests of the African nations but rather in pursuit of its own selfish interests.

Taking it to his social media handles on Monday, May 11, 2026, Njiru has questioned whether France is seeking to “restabilise its presence” in Africa, raising concerns about its intentions on the African continent.

“Which might? When you put a 100kg heavyweight against a 10kg boy in the same boxing ring. France is not a sincere and honest African partner,” Njiru said.

The lawyer contended that there couldn’t be any real partnerships between France and African nations because the latter are economically and politically at the mercy of France.

Njiru also accused France of being an insincere and dishonest partner to Africa, claiming that Paris was only interested in Africa’s rich mineral resources.

France is after our minerals, after they were chased from West Africa. France is a hyena clothed in sheep’s skin,” he added.

Africa Forward Summit

Comments from the outspoken lawyer have come at a time when Kenya is currently hosting the Africa Forward Summit, set to be held in Nairobi from May 11 to 12, 2026.

The high-level meeting has seen Kenya hosting French President Emmanuel Macron, among other African heads of state, investors, diplomats and business leaders, for discussions on trade, climate financing, infrastructure, security and economic cooperation.

Macron’s UoN visit

French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday morning, May 11, 2026, during the second day of his tour in the country, toured the University of Nairobi (UoN) as activities for the Africa Forward Summit officially commenced in Nairobi.

Together with President Ruto, Macron visited the university for an exhibition of the proposed Engineering and Science Complex, a major project expected to strengthen research, innovation, and higher education collaboration between Kenya and France.

The visit to the University of Nairobi came as Nairobi hosts the Africa Forward Summit, a high-profile gathering bringing together heads of state, business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.

The summit is expected to focus on issues such as artificial intelligence, infrastructure, climate action, manufacturing, green energy, youth employment, and economic transformation.

Kenya is hosting the summit as part of efforts to position itself as a regional hub for diplomacy, innovation, and international investment.

Growing Kenya-France partnership

President Macron’s visit to Kenya has already seen the signing of 11 bilateral agreements between the two countries covering transport, aviation, digital transformation, agriculture, nuclear energy, meteorological services, and the blue economy.

Among the flagship projects announced is the modernisation of the Nairobi Central Station to Embakasi Rail Line 5 project, aimed at improving urban transport connectivity in the capital.