Macron warns of Chinese risk to African sovereignty

DJIBOUTI, Mar 12 (Reuters): French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Tuesday of risks to the sovereignty of African countries from China's increasing economic presence as he began a visit to the east of the continent.

Macron arrived in Djibouti looking to reassert French influence in a former colony on the Horn of Africa where China has built a military base and invested billions of dollars in infrastructure.

The French leader, who will also visit Kenya and Ethiopia on his current tour, cautioned that conditions attached to Chinese loans could be dangerous in the long term.

"China is a great world power and has expanded its presence in many countries, especially in Africa, in recent years," he said alongside Djibouti President Ismail mar Guelleh. "But what can look good in the short term ... can often end up being bad over the medium to long term.