PORT LOUIS, Mauritius — French President Emmanuel Macron began a tour of Africa on Thursday with a landmark visit to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, marking the first trip by a French head of state to the country since 1993.
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam welcomed Macron, describing the visit as one of “significant importance.” Speaking alongside the French president, Ramgoolam warned that small island states are the first to feel the negative effects of global economic instability.
Environmental Focus
Macron’s visit will largely center on environmental issues, with Mauritius — home to 1.2 million people and one of Africa’s highest standards of living — playing a key role in ocean protection. The island maintains strong ties to France through its proximity to Reunion, a French territory.
Support for Madagascar
At a press conference, Macron also expressed support for Madagascar, where the armed forces seized control in October after weeks of deadly anti-government protests. The military government has pledged a democratic transition and new elections within two years.
“France will support this transition with an attitude of openness and support for the priorities of the Malagasy people, in particular about economic development,” Macron said.
Regional Tour
Macron’s Africa tour will continue with stops in:
- South Africa, for the G20 summit in Johannesburg
- Gabon, in West Africa
- Angola, for the African Union–European Union summit
The trip underscores France’s effort to strengthen ties across Africa while addressing pressing environmental and political challenges.