The atmosphere at the University of Nairobi turned tense on Monday as French President Emmanuel Macron halted a plenary session at the Africa Forward Summit to address the crowd’s behavior.
In a moment that has since gone viral, Macron reprimanded attendees at Africa Forward Summit for engaging in loud side conversations while young African entrepreneurs and artists were presenting on stage.
Video from the event showed Macron rising from his seat and walking onto the stage during the “Africa Forward: Creation in Motion” session, which featured artists and young entrepreneurs speaking about culture and innovation.
Stepping away from his seat and taking the microphone, the French leader declared the disruption a “total lack of respect,” sparking a wave of polarized reactions across social media and diplomatic circles.
The interruption occurred during the “Creation in Motion” session, a cornerstone of the two-day event co-hosted by Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto.
As speakers discussed African culture and innovation, the noise from the audience—comprised of diplomats, investors, and officials—reached a level that Macron deemed intolerable.
“I’m sorry guys, but it’s impossible to speak about culture, to have people like that, super inspired, coming here, making a speech, with such a noise,” he said.
The French president described the conduct as disrespectful to the young speakers who had taken the floor.
“This is a total lack of respect. So I suggest, if you want to have bilaterals, or speak about something else, you have bilateral rooms or you go outside. If you want to stay here, we listen to the people, and we play the same game,” Macron added.
The Africa Forward Summit brings together heads of state, policymakers, and young leaders to discuss the continent’s development priorities.
Below are some of the reactions;
