A French naval task group operating under the Jeanne d'Arc Mission docked in Mombasa from March 13 to 16 as part of a five-month patrol across the Indian and Pacific Oceans aimed at promoting maritime security and freedom of navigation, while strengthening defence cooperation between France and Kenya ahead of the upcoming Africa Forward Summit.
The naval group, composed of the amphibious assault ship Dixmude and the frigate Aconit, is part of the annual Jeanne d’Arc operation, which combines operational deployment with the training of French and international naval officer cadets.
According to the French Embassy, the mission’s objective is “to ensure freedom of navigation and conclude the training of French and international officer cadets” while contributing to maritime stability in key global shipping lanes.
The stopover in Kenya also underscored the strong ties between the two countries in maritime security and international cooperation.
French officials said the partnership is rooted in shared principles, noting that “France and Kenya share similar values: respect for international law, maritime security and free trade in the Indian and Pacific oceans.”
The mission also contributes to broader European security efforts in the region, particularly through the Operation Atalanta, which focuses on safeguarding maritime routes in the western Indian Ocean.
Officials said the deployment demonstrates that the European Union remains “a reliable partner” in ensuring maritime stability.
Beyond multilateral cooperation, the visit also highlighted expanding bilateral defence ties between the two nations. France and Kenya signed a bilateral defence cooperation agreement last year aimed at strengthening maritime collaboration, training programmes, and joint military activities.
“This mission, therefore, contributes to strengthening the relations between our armies,” the statement noted.
During the port call, French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet honoured two senior Kenyan defence officials in recognition of their contributions to military cooperation and strategic security studies.
Charles Muriu Kahariri was conferred the Legion of Honour, France’s highest and most prestigious national order of merit. Meanwhile, Joyce Sitienei, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies, received the National Defence Medal at the gold level.
The embassy described the awards as “a testimony of our friendship,” emphasising France’s commitment to deepening ties with Kenya through security cooperation, training, and strategic partnerships.
French officials said the mission reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the Franco-Kenyan partnership “in a spirit of trust, mutual respect and lasting friendship” as both countries continue to collaborate on regional security and maritime stability.
