Macron Embarks on African Tour to Forge “New Dynamics” in France’s Continental Ties
PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron will begin a multi-nation tour of Africa this week, a move the Élysée Palace states is aimed at injecting “new dynamics” into France’s relationship with the continent.
The trip, which underscores France’s efforts to recalibrate its often-complex diplomatic and economic partnerships in Africa, will include strategic stops in the Indian Ocean and Central and Southern Africa.
President Macron’s first destination is Mauritius on Thursday. The visit is expected to focus on bolstering regional cooperation, particularly with the nearby French overseas territories of Mayotte and Reunion.
Following his visit to Mauritius, the French leader will travel to South Africa to attend the G20 summit. The meeting has drawn international attention after the United States announced it would boycott the event. President Macron’s participation is seen as a significant show of engagement with the forum.
A key diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the summit will be a anticipated meeting with the President of Algeria. The talks are hoped to ease significant tensions that have strained relations between Paris and Algiers in recent years.
The African tour will conclude in Gabon, where President Macron is scheduled to meet with the country’s new leader, Brice Oligui Nguema. President Nguema came to power following an election in April, which itself capped a two-year transition period after the ouster of long-time leader Ali Bongo.
The itinerary signals a broad-based approach by Paris, touching on regional cooperation, multilateral engagement, delicate diplomacy, and relationships with new governments in a continent where global influence is increasingly contested.
About The Author
