France President Emmanuel Macron was forced to interrupt a presentation during the ongoing Africa Forward Summit.
Reports indicate that the Head of State stopped the session midway and urged delegates to show respect to speakers on stage.
According to Macron, the disruptions were inappropriate during discussions focused on culture and youth voices.
“Excuse me, everybody, hey, hey. I’m sorry, but it is impossible to speak about culture and to have people like that super inspired coming here, making a speech with such noise. This is a total lack of respect,” angry Macron told the audience.
“I suggest that if you want to have a chat about something else, you have bilateral rooms or you go outside. If you want to stay here, listen to the people, and we will play the same game. Thank you”, he added.
The France President is in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit, a two-day meeting being co-hosted by William Ruto and France on May 11 and 12.
The summit serves as a major platform aimed at reshaping relations between Africa and France while strengthening cooperation on economic development, innovation, investment and global governance.
The summit has brought together African Heads of State, representatives of the African Union, international financial institutions, development partners, investors, business leaders, innovators and creatives.
The event is being held under the High Patronage of Presidents Macron and Ruto and is co-organised by Bpifrance, Business France and Proparco.
It further seeks to establish a new partnership framework between Africa and France based on equality, mutual respect and shared prosperity.
