NAIROBI- Several leftists and anti-war activists were arrested in the Kenyan capital Nairobi during the France-Africa summit, while taking part in peaceful demonstrations against Western foreign policy in Africa. The Greek Marxist philosopher and academic Dimitris Patelis is reportedly among those arrested, along with members of an international organisation known as Platform.
The demonstrations took place in parallel with the summit, which is being attended by representatives of African countries and French President Emmanuel Macron. The protesters were particularly critical of France's continued economic and political influence in African states, the military presence of Western countries on the continent and growing social inequalities. Protest organisers say it was a peaceful rally without violence
According to statements by left-wing organisations, the demonstrators were detained by Kenyan security forces shortly after the end of the protest march in central Nairobi. Activists also speak of intimidation and coercion against domestic and foreign demonstrators. Some organisations have described the police crackdown as an attack on freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest. The Kenyan authorities have not yet officially commented on the situation in detail. However, security measures in Nairobi were significantly stepped up during the summit. Police controlled the movement of demonstrators around the conference venue and restricted access to several parts of the city centre.
The France-Africa summit has long been the target of criticism by some African and European activists who claim that such meetings consolidate the political and economic influence of former colonial powers in Africa. Critics also point to the continued dependence of some African economies on Western investment and financial institutions.
The case of the arrest of Dimitris Patelis and other activists is now provoking reactions from left-wing organisations in Europe and Africa. They are demanding the immediate release of all detained demonstrators and respect for the right to political protest. The situation in Nairobi remains tense and the issue of police intervention is expected to be the subject of a wider international debate in the coming days.
gnews.cz - GH
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