French President Emmanuel Macron interrupted a session of the Africa Forward summit in Kenya to reprimand the public due to the noise and side conversations in the room.
The moment took place during the “Africa Forward: Creation in Motion” panel, dedicated to youth and culture, while several artists and speakers spoke on stage. Faced with constant noise in the audience, Macron stood up from the audience, went up to the stage and directly addressed the participants.
“It is impossible to talk about culture with this noise. This is a total lack of respect”, said the French head of state.
Macron also asked people who were talking to leave the room or use spaces reserved for private meetings. “If they want to stay here, we listen to the speakers and play the same game,” he added.
After the intervention, the room immediately fell silent and the French president returned to his seat a few moments later.
The summit brings together dozens of African leaders, businesspeople and young entrepreneurs, at a time when France is trying to strengthen political and economic relations with several African countries, following recent diplomatic tensions and French military withdrawals from West Africa.
