During the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron ignited a wave of controversy by halting a youth-centric session to reprimand those in attendance for their lack of attention to speakers. He described the disruption as “a total lack of respect,” which drew widespread criticism.
Footage from the event captured the moment Macron stood up and walked to the stage during the “Africa Forward: Creation in Motion” discussion, where young artists and entrepreneurs shared insights on culture and innovation.
“Excuse me, everyone. Hey, hey, hey,” Macron addressed the crowd. “I’m sorry, folks. Discussing culture is impossible when there’s so much noise, especially when we have such inspired individuals giving speeches.”
He continued, “This is completely disrespectful. I recommend that if you wish to have private conversations or discuss other matters, there are designated rooms or you can step outside. If you choose to remain here, let’s listen to the speakers and engage respectfully.”
A snapshot shows French President Emmanuel Macron intervening at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya (Reuters)
His abrupt intervention quickly drew backlash on social media, with critics including Fadzayi Mahere, a former Zimbabwean MP, who addressed him directly on X. “Respectfully @EmmanuelMacron, it’s neither courteous nor appropriate to come to our continent and speak down to people like this. They are not your children. Avoid being patronizing. Imagine if a guest of the state behaved similarly in your nation? It wouldn’t be acceptable, would it?”
Another post from a Kenyan-Canadian lawyer with 3.1 million followers announced, “Africans don’t need @EmmanuelMacron’s permission to speak in Africa,” said Dr. Miguna Miguna, who in January announced he was running for the Kenyan presidency in 2027, according to local reports.
A report published Monday by Modern Ghana, the interruption carried a symbolic irony, as Macron had traveled to Kenya to promote what Paris describes as a more equal and respectful partnership with African nations, moving away from what critics have long viewed as a paternalistic post-colonial model.
The incident took place during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, where more than 30 African leaders, business executives and young entrepreneurs gathered for discussions focused on economic development, innovation and cooperation between Africa and Europe.
Kenya’s Standard Media reported that the exchange “cast an unusual shadow” over the summit, noting that some civil society groups characterized the two-day summit as a “reengineering of imperialism.”
The moment underscored the balancing act facing Macron as France attempts to redefine its relationship with Africa following years of political tensions and military withdrawals from several West African countries.
French President Emmanuel Macron, arrives at the White House, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Washington. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)
Earlier Monday, Macron told students at the University of Nairobi that “Africa is succeeding” and argued the continent needs investment to strengthen its sovereignty rather than dependence on development aid, according to Modern Ghana’s report by Mustapha Bature Sallama. The report also noted Macron acknowledged France’s own financial constraints during the remarks.
Macron has increasingly emphasized partnerships with African youth, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders as Paris recalibrates its Africa strategy amid growing competition from Russia, China and Turkey for influence across the continent.
