More details have emerged after more than 800 French military personnel arrived at the Port of Mombasa, raising questions among Kenyans about the purpose of their visit.
In a statement released on Monday, the Embassy of France in Kenya explained that the French naval task group had docked in Kenya as part of an international mission known as the Jeanne d’Arc operation.
According to the embassy, the naval group, which includes the warships Dixmude and Aconit, made a stopover in Mombasa from March 13 to March 16 during a five-month mission across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The mission aims to help ensure freedom of navigation while also providing training for French and international officer cadets.
Strategic and Regional Cooperation
The embassy noted that the visit also reflects the strong partnership between Kenya and France, particularly in areas such as maritime security, respect for international law, and the protection of trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
French naval forces are also supporting global security initiatives, including the Operation Atalanta, which focuses on combating piracy and protecting commercial shipping in international waters.
According to the embassy, the stopover demonstrates France’s commitment to being a reliable European partner in promoting stability and security in the Indian Ocean region.
Strengthening Defence Cooperation
The visit also comes months after Kenya and France signed a bilateral defence cooperation agreement in October 2025.
The agreement strengthens collaboration between the two countries through joint training, military exercises, intelligence sharing, and officer exchange programmes between the Kenya Defence Forces and the French military.
French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet said the deployment is part of a broader effort to deepen defence relations between Nairobi and Paris while improving security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
Concerns Over Global Tensions
The embassy’s explanation came after some members of the public raised concerns about the military presence in Kenya, especially amid growing tensions in the Middle East.
France has recently increased its military deployments in the region, including fighter jets, naval vessels, and air defence systems to protect its allies and citizens.
President Emmanuel Macron has previously stated that France’s military activities in the region are defensive and aimed at protecting French interests and maintaining regional stability.
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