Kenyan police disperse anti-France protesters near Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi

Kenyan police on Tuesday fired teargas to disperse anti-France protesters attempting to march toward the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where the Africa Forward Summit is taking place.

Dozens of demonstrators, including some foreign nationals, gathered along Uhuru Highway carrying red flags and anti-imperialism banners before anti-riot officers blocked access to the heavily secured summit venue.

Videos from the scene showed police chasing protesters through parts of the city centre as teargas spread across the area. Some demonstrators were also seen being forced into police vehicles during the crackdown.

Protesters displayed placards with messages such as “Stop the Imperialist Drive to War” and “Down with Imperialism,” while others waved red flags bearing socialist symbols and portraits. Chants echoed through the streets as security forces tightened restrictions around roads leading to the KICC.

The protests coincided with the Africa Forward Summit, jointly hosted by Kenya and France, which has brought together more than 30 African and European leaders to discuss trade, investment, infrastructure and climate cooperation.

Among those attending the summit are French President Emmanuel Macron, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, African heads of state, diplomats, business executives and development partners.

Security remained heavy across central Nairobi throughout the day, with police restricting movement around major government buildings, hotels and roads linked to the summit venue.