French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Ethiopia for his second visit in six years, emphasizing growing ties between the two nations. During his stay, discussions centered on strengthening partnerships and addressing key regional and domestic issues.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Macron to Addis Ababa, highlighting ongoing collaborations between Ethiopia and France. Macron expressed France’s commitment to supporting those affected by Ethiopia’s past conflict and underscored the importance of transitional justice and the rule of law, referencing the Pretoria agreement that ended a two-year war in November 2022.
The leaders toured the newly restored National Palace in Addis Ababa, once home to Emperor Haile Selassie. The restoration, supported by €25 million from the French Development Agency, involved French architects and professionals. Ethiopia plans to open the palace to the public as a museum. Additionally, France is funding the renovation of the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.
Macron’s regional visit included stops in Djibouti and Mayotte. In Djibouti, he reinforced France’s strategic partnership with President Ismail Omar Guelleh and visited French troops stationed at the continent’s largest French military base. Prior to Ethiopia, Macron visited cyclone-hit Mayotte, addressing residents’ concerns over disaster recovery efforts.
The visit underscores France’s engagement in East Africa and its commitment to fostering cultural, economic, and strategic partnerships.