Protests Hit Geneva, Switzerland Ahead Of Ruto’s Visit
Protests and skirmishes with police erupted in Geneva, Switzerland, ahead of President William Ruto’s planned departure to France on Monday, June 15, to attend the G7 summit.
Thousands of protestors flocked to the streets on June 14, with reports of violent clashes with police in the city.
The city is located near the French town of Évian-les-Bains, where the summit will take place.
According to reports, authorities used tear gas and water cannons after some members of the crowd allegedly damaged property and set fire to a car during the unrest.
🚨Protest in Geneva against G7 summit turns violent
Thousands chanted “The whole world hates the G7” and voiced support for Cuba and Palestine.
Some protesters later rioted, throwing bottles at police and setting cars on fire as unrest spread across the city. pic.twitter.com/MGVgzh7CEj— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) June 14, 2026
G7 protesters in Geneva blasted with water cannons as clashes break out with police.
Demonstrators are protesting inequality, wars, climate change, and Trump policies.#G7 #Geneva #Police #Trump #PNC pic.twitter.com/XzGHBPa5ez— People’s news Channel (@peoplesnews2024) June 15, 2026
Following the summit’s large-scale demonstrations, Ruto’s journey comes amid increased security worries.
According to reports, the demonstrations were organised by a coalition of activist groups opposed to G7 policies on climate change, global inequality and international conflicts.
Protesters accused the G7 bloc of promoting systems they described as unfair and exclusionary, while calling for changes in global governance and economic structures.
A massive security sweep in Switzerland where protesters are confronting the police as they rage against the G7 summit in neighbouring France.
Al Jazeera’s @natachabut reports from the scene of those protests in Geneva. pic.twitter.com/GhfPCThk59— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 14, 2026
Police estimated that about 20,000 people participated in the demonstrations, prompting a heavy security presence across Geneva and surrounding areas.
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- Protests Hit Geneva, Switzerland Ahead Of Ruto’s Visit
Swiss and French authorities have deployed thousands of police officers to secure Évian-les-Bains for the three-day summit.
The annual G7 Summit will bring together leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada and the European Union to discuss global economic stability, security and climate change.
Ruto confirmed his trip to France on June 14 during a church service in Kajiado County, saying he will attend the summit to represent Africa on the global stage.
He said his participation will focus on pushing for reforms in the global economic system and advancing Africa’s development agenda.
The President added that Kenya’s presence in international forums reflects the country’s growing role in global diplomacy and decision-making.
Protests Hit Geneva, Switzerland Ahead Of Ruto’s Visit
