Protests and clashes with police erupted in Geneva, Switzerland, over the Group of Seven (G7) Summit ahead of President William Ruto's planned trip to France on Monday, June 15, to attend the high-level meeting.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Thousands of protesters took to the streets on June 14, with demonstrations reportedly escalating into violent confrontations with police in the city, which is located near the French town of Évian-les-Bains where the summit will be held.

Reports indicate that authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons after sections of the crowd reportedly damaged property and set a car on fire during the unrest.

Following the large-scale demonstrations linked to the summit, Ruto's trip comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to reports, the demonstrations were organised by a coalition of activist groups opposed to G7 policies on climate change, global inequality and international conflicts.

Protesters accused the G7 bloc of promoting systems they described as unfair and exclusionary, while calling for changes in global governance and economic structures.

Police estimated that about 20,000 people participated in the demonstrations, prompting a heavy security presence across Geneva and surrounding areas.

Swiss and French authorities have deployed thousands of police officers to secure Évian-les-Bains for the three-day summit.

The annual G7 Summit will bring together leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada and the European Union to discuss global economic stability, security and climate change.

Ruto confirmed his trip to France on June 14 during a church service in Kajiado County, saying he will attend the summit to represent Africa on the global stage.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke