Macron Ends Africa Visit in Ethiopia After Kenya Backlash

French President Emmanuel Macron ended his Africa visit in Ethiopia on Wednesday after facing backlash during the Kenya leg of the trip, with talks in Addis Ababa focused on U.N. Security Council reform and inclusive global governance.

Macron met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed before holding discussions with African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. The leaders recognized the need for stronger African representation in international decision-making, according to a readout cited by AP.

The Ethiopia stop followed Macron’s appearance at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, where he drew criticism after interrupting a panel to rebuke a noisy audience. The moment spread on social media and added to wider debate over France’s effort to recast its relationship with African countries.

During the summit, Macron called for permanent African seats on the U.N. Security Council and announced that France’s public and private sectors would mobilize $27 billion for investment across the continent.

The Africa Forward Summit was co-hosted by France and Kenya and framed around a new partnership model.

Guterres also backed reform, saying the current Security Council does not reflect global realities because Africa and Latin America lack permanent representation.

After Macron’s meeting with Abiy, officials announced a $63.9 million loan funding agreement for Ethiopia’s green energy investment and digitalization program.

Source: Associted Press