Changing geopolitics are in focus as France's Macron kicks off Kenya visit for an Africa summit

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off a visit to Kenya on Sunday ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, a gathering meant to showcase France’s new policy for the continent — a shift from a former colonial power seen as dominating to what Paris describes as a partnership of equals.

Held for the first time in an Anglophone country, the summit is expected to draw reactions to the withdrawal of French troops from West Africa that was completed last year amid France's waning regional influence in recent years.

Since the independence of France's former African colonies, France had maintained a policy of economic, political and military sway dubbed Françafrique, which included keeping thousands of troops in the region. But leaders in those countries — and opposition figures — have often criticized France over what they described as a demeaning and heavy-handed approach to the continent.

Macron’s host, Kenyan President William Ruto, said both leaders expect the summit to be a “turning point” toward a better partnership.

Macron commented on the changing geopolitical landscape, saying France can “disagree” with West African governments but “never disagrees with the people.”

The two-day summit, which starts on Monday, is expected to welcome 30 heads of state. Ten have arrived so far.

Kenya’s opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka slammed the choice of Kenya as a venue, describing it as country where democracy remains under threat, the opposition is under attack and human rights are being violated even as it prepares for the 2027 general election.

“There will be an air of pretense that we are a cohesive nation," Musyoka said. "We know that is far from the truth.”

Ruto on Sunday said Nairobi seeks to nurture a wide array of relationships and was “neither looking East nor West” but “looking forward.”

Also Sunday, Kenya and France signed 11 agreements involving investments in various sectors, including an ambitious nuclear energy plant, modernized transport, and sustainable agriculture.

Macron said the investments were aimed at strengthening “human capital,” in line with the summit’s focus on innovation and Africa’s growing young population.

Kenya's President William Ruto speaks during a joint press conference with France's President Emmanuel Macron at State House in Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press conference with Kenya's President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

France's President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Kenya's President William Ruto greet each other at State House in Nairobi, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

France's President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Kenya's President William Ruto stand during the national anthem at State House in Nairobi, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — The Ottawa Charge are returning to the Walter Cup Final for a second straight season.

Michela Cava scored at 1:12 of the second overtime to lead Ottawa to a 4-3 win over the Boston Fleet, winning the best-of-five semifinal series in four games.

Ottawa lost last year’s final to the Minnesota Frost.

The Charge will meet the winner of the Montreal Victoire-Frost series, which will be decided with Monday’s Game 5.

Sarah Wozniewicz, Rebecca Leslie and Brooke Hobson also scored for Ottawa. Goaltender Gwyneth Philips made 43 saves.

Shay Maloney, Megan Keller and Sophie Shirley scored for the Fleet. Aerin Frankel made 29 saves.

After losing the first game, Ottawa went on to win the next three. Boston had not lost three straight games all season.

Cava redirected a Katerina Mrazova shot for the winning goal.

The two teams combined for five goals in the second to tie the game 3-3 after 40 minutes.

Ottawa took a 2-0 lead early in the period. Jenner fired a sharp-angle shot from below the goal-line that deflected off Leslie’s skate as she battled to the crease. The play was reviewed, but the goal stood.

The Fleet then scored three straight in a span of 1:33 to take a 3-2 lead.

AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

Boston Fleet goalie Aerin Frankel (31) makes a glove-save on a shot by Ottawa Charge's Brooke Hobson (11) during the first period of Game 4 in a PWHL hockey playoff series in Ottawa, Ontario, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Boston Fleet defense Daniela Pejsova (55) sends Ottawa Charge forward Rebecca Leslie (37) into the boards during the first period of Game 4 in a PWHL hockey playoff series in Ottawa, Ontario, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Boston Fleet forward Sophie Shirley (9) pressures Ottawa Charge goalie Gwyneth Philips (33) during the second period of Game 4 in a PWHL hockey playoff series in Ottawa, Ontario, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Ottawa Charge forward Fanuza Kadirova (71) celebrates after her goal with forwards Katerina Mrazova (16) and Sarah Wozniewicz (23) during the first period of Game 4 in a PWHL hockey playoff series against the Bosotn Fleet in Ottawa, Ontario, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Ottawa Charge players celebrate after defeating the Boston Fleet in double overtime to win their PWHL hockey playoff series in Ottawa, Ontario, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)