French President Emmanuel Macron took an assertive tone during the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi, pausing his address to demand silence from attendees. The president interrupted the proceedings to express his frustration, stating that the background noise and side conversations represented a “total lack of respect” for the speakers on stage.

Following his rebuke, Macron instructed those who wished to continue their private discussions to move the conversations outside the main hall or relocate to designated bilateral meeting rooms. The incident occurred during a high-profile gathering intended to foster stronger political and economic collaboration between France and various African nations.

The Africa Forward summit has drawn a significant crowd, featuring more than 30 African heads of state, prominent business executives, and young entrepreneurs. The event serves as a strategic platform for France to deepen its influence and engagement across the continent, focusing on long-term development and partnership goals.