EXPLAINER: Why France Military Docked In Mombasa As Middle East War Rages On
On Friday, March 13, over 800 French military officials docked at the port of Mombasa.
This move raised questions among the public about why the French soldiers were in the country and what their mission was.
The French embassy, on Monday, March 16, through a written statement, responded to the public inquiry, outlining the detailed reasons behind the French military presence in Kenya.
According to the embassy, the French naval task group docked at Mombasa, Kenya, as part of a 5-month mission (Jeanne d’Arc operation) patrolling the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
“A French naval task group – the Jeanne d’Arc operation comprising the Dixmude & Aconit warships – made a stopover at Mombasa from March 13 to March 16 as part of a five-month mission to patrol the Indian and Pacific Oceans,” the embassy stated.
“Their goal is to ensure freedom of navigation & conclude the training of French and international officer cadets.”
However, their visit also had multiple purposes.
Strategic and Regional Cooperation
The embassy reiterated that Kenya and France share common values, including adherence to international law, maritime security, and free trade in the Indian Ocean.
The French military stopover in Kenya was therefore intended to allow the French navy to support maritime security in the region.
Additionally, to contribute to initiatives such as the European Union’s Atalanta mission, which combats piracy and ensures safe navigation at sea.
According to the embassy, the visit reinforced France’s commitment as a reliable European partner in the Indian Ocean.
Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties
In October 2025, Kenya and France signed a bilateral defence cooperation agreement, formalising joint activities, especially in the ocean.
The French military will help in training, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and officer exchanges with the Kenyan military.
The agreement provides a legal and operational framework for collaborative efforts to address contemporary security threats.
According to French ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet, the deployment forms part of a broader security collaboration between Nairobi and Paris aimed at strengthening defence ties and improving stability in the Indian Ocean region.
The embassy’s clarification came amid concerns about the military presence in the country, especially following escalating tensions in the Middle East, where France is reportedly involved in the war.
ALSO READ:
- “Don’t Attack Public Infrastructure!” – IG Kanja Asks Kenyans, Issues Orders To Police
- “NO MORE NIL TAX RETURNS!” – KRA Tells Kenyans, Introduces New Changes
- Eliud Owalo Blasts Ruto Gov’t, Demands EACC & DCI Investigations Into Fake Sugar Scandal
- President’s Office Releases 2026 National Holidays Calendar, Names Host Counties
- Kenya Goes After British Oil Giant Over Hundreds Of Deaths In The North
Though not directly involved in the conflict with Iran, France has significantly increased its military presence and defensive operations in the Middle East due to the conflict.
France has deployed fighter jets, air defence systems and naval vessels to protect allies in the Middle East.
Also, over 4000 French troops are stationed at its bases in the region, including Jordan, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasised that France’s role is purely defensive and is aimed at protecting French citizens, interests, and allies.
EXPLAINER: Why France Military Docked In Mombasa As Middle East War Rages On
