Can Macron’s Kenya visit revive French influence in Africa?
France is facing deepening resentment in former African colonies where it once had political influence.

France is facing deepening resentment in former African colonies where it once had political influence.




![A Malian refugee now willing to the identified sits in his tent in Dounkara village, Mauritania [Shola Lawal/Global News Insight]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P1040667-1776903867.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)





At the height of its power, ISIL held around a third of Syria and 40% of Iraq.
Experts say ISIL and al-Qaeda-linked groups use drones to target army positions with IEDs and to gather intelligence.
Moscow ‘strongly condemns’ attack on airport in the capital, Niamey, where 20 rebels were killed and 4 soldiers wounded.
Claim comes after military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani accused France, Benin, Ivory coast of involvement in the attack.
‘They should be ready to hear us roar,’ says military ruler Tiani, who thanked Russian troops for defending airbase.

Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard near Niger’s international airport in Niamey on Thursday.
Mali and Burkina Faso are the latest to issue ‘tit-for-tat’ bans on visas for US citizens with immediate effect.

A recent summit of The Alliance of Sahel States has raised security and economic hopes for Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
Since withdrawing from ECOWAS, the post-coup countries have inaugurated a new bank, TV station and joint military force.
Military rulers expand emergency powers, warning that people, property, and services may be requisitioned.