French President Emmanuel Macron interrupted a youth-focused session at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on May 11 after people kept talking over speakers, telling the audience the noise made it impossible to discuss culture. [1, 2]
Macron called the disruption a "total lack of respect" and said those who wanted to talk about other topics should use bilateral rooms or step outside. [1, 2]
The session centered on culture and innovation and included artists and young entrepreneurs. The summit brought together more than 30 African leaders, business executives and young entrepreneurs. [1, 2]
In remarks captured in Chinese and English by reports on the event, Macron told attendees that if they wanted to stay in the room, they should listen to the speakers. [1, 2]
France has been trying to rebuild or strengthen its economic and political ties with African countries as relations have frayed in several places. Macron was later criticized on social media after the interruption. [1, 2]
The incident came during Macron's visit to the Nairobi summit on 2026-05-11. [1, 2]
