Macron told to not let Bahrain 'buy France's silence' as he tours Gulf
Macron told to not let Bahrain 'buy France's silence' as he tours Gulf Submitted by Oscar Rickett on Tue, 10/20/2026 - 15:41 French president urged to raise human rights concerns as he seeks energy deals in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base, in Manama, Bahrain, 20 October 2026…
French President Emmanuel Macron is under pressure not to let Bahrain buy France's silence during his tour of the Gulf. Human rights organisations are urging Macron to prioritise human rights concerns during his visit to Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar. The Bahraini government has been cracking down on dissent, mass arrests, torture and stripping children's citizenship.
French activists are warning that closer political and security cooperation with France risks emboldening Bahraini authorities. Macron's visit comes as France faces a growing cost of living crisis and protests, and as he seeks energy deals in the Gulf.
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