Police in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, lobbed teargas and mounted heavy security along Uhuru Highway to stop a group of human rights activists from accessing the ongoing Africa Forward Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

According to the videos seen by People Daily Digital, the activists, some carrying placards and chanting slogans, were intercepted by anti-riot police as they attempted to march towards the summit venue.

Several protesters were bundled into police vehicles as officers dispersed the group. Some of the messages on their banners read: “Nairobi Erupts, resist French colonialism” and “Stop the imperialists’ drive to war”

The activists, among them foreign nationals, had gathered near Uhuru Highway before police moved in to block roads leading to the KICC, causing a temporary disruption to traffic in the city centre.

Why protests

They were protesting against France and President Emmanuel Macron, accusing them of imperialism and opposing their participation in the summit.

The protests come as the Africa Forward Summit entered its second day on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with high-level sessions at the KICC focusing on financing reforms, peace and security, artificial intelligence, the blue economy, health, and agriculture.

Summit hosted outside Francophone Africa for first time

The Africa Forward Summit marks the first time the high-level gathering is being hosted in a non-Francophone African country, a move that Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi described as symbolic of strengthening ties between Anglophone and Francophone Africa.

He dismissed suggestions that Kenya was shifting alliances, saying the summit instead reflects a broader push for African unity and stronger continental cooperation.

“We are not ditching Francophone for Anglophone,” he said.

The summit has brought together heads of state, investors, policymakers, diplomats, and business leaders to discuss Africa’s future in areas such as artificial intelligence, green energy, climate action, trade, manufacturing, infrastructure, and youth employment.

Among the leaders attending are Emmanuel Macron, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and Azali Assoumani.