Thousands of anti-G7 demonstrators clashed with police in Switzerland over the weekend as tensions mounted ahead of the annual summit that President William Ruto is expected to attend in France as Africa’s representative.
The protests erupted on Saturday, June 14, in Geneva, with demonstrators taking to the streets to voice opposition to policies championed by the Group of Seven (G7) nations. What began as a large-scale demonstration later descended into unrest, prompting security forces to intervene with tear gas and water cannons.
According to local reports, sections of the crowd vandalised property and set a vehicle ablaze during confrontations with police. Authorities responded by deploying riot units to contain the disturbances as concerns grew over security ahead of the summit.
The demonstrations come just days before world leaders gather in the French resort town of Évian-les-Bains for the high-profile meeting, where issues ranging from global economic stability and security to climate change are expected to dominate discussions.
Police estimated that approximately 20,000 people participated in the protests, making them one of the largest anti-G7 demonstrations in recent years. Organisers said the protests were aimed at highlighting what they described as growing global inequality, failures in climate action, and the influence of wealthy nations over international decision-making.
Activist groups behind the demonstrations accused G7 countries of perpetuating economic systems that disproportionately benefit developed nations while leaving poorer countries vulnerable to debt, poverty, and the effects of climate change.
The unrest has prompted Swiss and French authorities to significantly tighten security around the summit venue. Thousands of police officers have reportedly been deployed across Geneva and surrounding regions, while security checkpoints and patrols have been increased around Évian-les-Bains.
President William Ruto confirmed on Saturday that he would travel to France to attend the summit, describing the invitation as an opportunity to advance Africa’s interests on the global stage.
Speaking during a church service in Kajiado County, Ruto said Kenya would use the platform to push for reforms in the international financial architecture and advocate for policies that support Africa’s economic transformation.
“We are going to ensure that Africa’s voice is heard in matters concerning global economic reforms and development,” the President said.
Ruto also noted that Kenya’s participation in major international forums reflects the country’s growing diplomatic influence and its role in shaping conversations on global governance.
His attendance comes at a time when African leaders have been increasingly calling for greater representation in global institutions and decision-making bodies, arguing that developing nations should have a stronger voice in addressing challenges such as debt, trade, climate financing, and economic inequality.
The G7 summit will bring together leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the European Union, alongside invited partners from other regions, for three days of discussions on pressing global issues.
As leaders prepare to convene behind tight security, the scenes witnessed in Geneva have underscored the growing public frustration and activism surrounding the policies and influence of the world’s wealthiest economies.
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