France and Kenya to Explore Joint Business Opportunities

Kenya and France have signed a defence cooperation agreement, which includes partnerships in maritime security, intelligence, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The five-year renewable deal was preceded by the arrival of French troops in Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa for a joint training exercise with the Kenya Defence Forces.

The agreement grants French forces diplomatic-style immunity in Kenya, requiring disputes to be resolved through diplomatic channels rather than Kenyan courts. It also allows convicted French personnel to serve sentences in France and gives Paris primary jurisdiction over offences committed by its soldiers on Kenyan soil.

Critics have expressed concerns that the agreement may favour France over Kenya and secure Paris’s strategic interests in the Western Indian Ocean, a key region for global shipping lanes, military positioning, and counterterrorism operations. Some have also warned that Kenya could risk coming under the influence of neo-colonial powers, which may interfere in its economic and political affairs.

In response to concerns, Kenyan politician Nelson Koech stated that crimes like murder must be tried in Kenya, contradicting claims that French forces would be granted immunity. However, sources in parliament have suggested that France is pushing for a permanent troop presence in Kenya.

The partnership between Kenya and France has sparked debate at home and abroad. France’s colonial past continues to influence its relationships with former colonies in West Africa. The agreement was signed by President William Ruto’s administration, which has sought to strengthen ties with Western countries since taking office.

Source: Al Jazeera