Is France Pan-Africanist? - BBC Africa

At the 2026 Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Emmanuel Macron sparked backlash after claiming France was among the “true Pan-Africanists”.⁣ ⁣ Critics pointed to France’s colonial history, growing anti-French sentiment in West Africa and the country’s declining influence on the continent.⁣ ⁣ BBC’s Focus on Africa Basma El Atti explains why the comments drew criticism.⁣ ⁣ Produced and edited by: Basma El Atti Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/