Diplomatic Gloves Off as Russian, French Embassies in Kenya Spar Online

A rare and public diplomatic row has emerged online after a barb-filled exchange between the Russian and French embassies in Kenya on X, with Kenyans and political analysts being drawn into the affair and highlighting the underlying geopolitical divisions on Africa’s security and sovereignty issues.

The exchange, unusual for its tone and openness, quickly went viral and sparked debate well beyond diplomatic circles.

The confrontation began when the Russian Embassy accused France of engaging in covert and destabilising activities across several French-speaking African countries.

In a strongly worded intervention, Moscow alleged that Paris was pursuing revenge politics on the continent, targeting governments that have distanced themselves from French influence.

In a post attributed to Russian intelligence claims, the embassy directly named President Emmanuel Macron’s administration and linked France to unrest in multiple states.

The Russian Embassy wrote: “Russian Foreign Intelligence Service: #French administration under E.Macron is seeking a ‘political revanche’ in #Africa by foiling coup attempt in #BurkinaFaso, destabilizing #Mali & #CAR, and forging plans to undermine the new leadership in #Madagascar.”

Claims of Destabilisation in the Sahel

The Russian mission reinforced its accusations by attaching an official government link, asserting that Paris was behind a failed coup attempt in Burkina Faso on January 3.

According to the Russian account, the alleged plot was part of a broader strategy to reassert French control in the region.

An excerpt from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service statement said: “The rebels’ goal was to assassinate President Isaac Traoré, a leading figure in the fight against neocolonialism. Paris calculated that this would not only bring forces loyal to France to power in Ouagadougou but also deal a blow to all supporters of sovereignty and pan-Africanism on the continent.”

The language escalated further, with Moscow accusing France of persisting despite the alleged failure.

“Despite the failure of their criminal plot, the refined racists from Paris are not giving up. Their focus is destabilizing the situation in ‘unwanted countries’ in the Sahara-Sahel region with the help of local terrorist groups and, of course, the Ukrainian regime,” Russian Embassy added.

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Madagascar Drawn Into the Dispute

Russia extended its claims to Madagascar, arguing that France was seeking to undermine new leadership perceived as friendly to BRICS.

“Another target of the French leadership’s destructive attention is Madagascar, where forces committed to developing relations with BRICS came to power in October 2025,” the statement read, adding that Paris aimed to overthrow President “M. Randrianirina” and “restore a loyal regime.”

France, however, opted for a markedly different response.

Rather than a formal rebuttal, the French Embassy posted a meme-style image of President Macron with the caption: “Hizi ni story za….”

The phrase, widely understood in Kenya as shorthand for story za jaba, implied the accusations were baseless or fantastical.

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Kenyans and Analysts Weigh In

Kenyans on X swiftly joined the conversation, criticising both powers.

Jeff Ntsoane wrote: “Sio story za Jaba! Truth is: France gave the world liberty, equality and fraternity principles. However, what they are doing to the former colonies: perpetual exploitation, paternalism and lack of national self-determination, to mention just a few.”

Karen Kaviti added: “LMAO! Is this an official government account? Si mpatane Kencom basi!”

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ affiliated account later remarked: “Always nice to feature so prominently in Russia’s sales pitch in Africa. Waiting on the customer reviews. Syria, Venezuela, Iran — any feedback?”

Political analyst Sitati Wasilwa questioned Moscow’s narrative, stating: “Seeking a revanche by foiling a coup attempt? Sounds topsy-turvy. While the French have a starkly imperialistic history in the region, Russia isn’t a saviour as such.”

Olivier Vicenzier offered a broader reflection: “Africans aren’t customers. They’re stakeholders.”

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Ambassador of Russia to Kenya H.E. Mr. Dmitry Maksimychev. PHOTO/ Russian embassy X.