Macron travels to Africa, tries to revive French influence despite skepticism

French President Emmanuel Macron is heading to Africa to try to revive French influence and move beyond post-colonial tensions, despite skepticism and threats of demonstrations, AP reports. Unions in Burkina Faso have called for protests for Macron’s trip, which starts Monday night. In his first big speech on Africa policy, the 39-year-old leader is expected to focus on more pragmatic relations, such as supporting startup entrepreneurs instead of giving aid. The president will visit Ivory Coast for a Europe-Africa summit, and Ghana. The trip comes amid protests around Africa and Europe at new revelations about African migrants being sold as slaves in Libya.