Kenyan police teargas anti-France protesters near summit venue

Kenyan police fired teargas on Tuesday to break up dozens of protesters who were marching against France near the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, where the Africa Forward Summit was taking place.

The demonstrators gathered along Uhuru Highway carrying red flags and signs criticising imperialism. Anti-riot officers moved in and blocked their path toward the heavily secured summit site.

Video from the scene showed police chasing protesters through parts of the city centre as teargas filled the streets. Several demonstrators were also seen being forced into police vehicles.

Police tightened security around roads leading to the convention centre.

The protests happened while more than 30 leaders from Africa and Europe were meeting in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit, which Kenya and France are co-hosting. The summit focuses on trade, investment, infrastructure and climate partnerships.

French President Emmanuel Macron, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and several African heads of state are attending the event, along with business leaders, diplomats and development partners.

Security remained tight across central Nairobi throughout the day. Police restricted movement around major government buildings, hotels and roads connected to the summit venue.

SOURCE: AA