SouthernWorldwide.com – French President Emmanuel Macron has drawn significant criticism after he uninvitedly joined a youth-focused session at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on Monday. He publicly reprimanded attendees for talking over speakers, labeling the disruption as “a total lack of respect.”
Footage from the event captured Macron rising from his seat and approaching the stage during the “Africa Forward: Creation in Motion” session. This session featured artists and young entrepreneurs discussing culture and innovation.
“Excuse me, everybody. Hey, hey, hey,” Macron addressed the audience. “I’m sorry, guys. But it’s impossible to speak about culture, to have people like that super inspired, coming here, making a speech with such a noise.”
“So this is a total lack of respect,” he continued. “I suggest if you want to have bilateral or speak about somebody else, I mean something else, you have bilateral rooms, or you go outside. If you want to stay here, we listen to the people, and we’re playing the same game.”
Macron faced immediate backlash on social media for his unsolicited remarks. Fadzayi Mahere, a former Member of Parliament from Zimbabwe, directly addressed the French leader on X. “Respectfully @EmmanuelMacron I don’t believe that it’s courteous or appropriate for you to come onto our Continent and talk down at people like this. They are not your kids. Don’t be condescending. Imagine if a guest of the state did the same in your country? Would it fly? I don’t think so.”
Another prominent voice, Kenyan-Canadian lawyer Dr. Miguna Miguna, who has 3.1 million followers and announced his presidential bid for Kenya in 2027, stated, “Africans don’t need @EmmanuelMacron’s permission to speak in Africa.” This sentiment was reported by local news outlets.
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A report published on Monday by Modern Ghana highlighted the symbolic irony of the interruption. Macron had traveled to Kenya with the stated aim of promoting what Paris describes as a more equitable and respectful partnership with African nations, moving away from a post-colonial model long perceived as paternalistic by critics.
The incident occurred during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, which brought together over 30 African leaders, business executives, and young entrepreneurs. The summit’s agenda focused on economic development, innovation, and fostering cooperation between Africa and Europe.
Kenya’s Standard Media reported that the exchange cast “an unusual shadow” over the summit. It also noted that some civil society groups characterized the two-day event as an attempt at “reengineering of imperialism.”
This moment underscored the complex diplomatic balancing act Macron is navigating. France is currently striving to redefine its relationship with Africa amidst a backdrop of ongoing political tensions and military withdrawals from several West African nations.
Earlier on Monday, Macron addressed students at the University of Nairobi. He expressed optimism about Africa’s progress, stating, “Africa is succeeding.” He also argued that the continent requires investment to bolster its sovereignty, rather than relying on development aid, according to a report by Mustapha Bature Sallama for Modern Ghana. The report also indicated that Macron acknowledged France’s own financial limitations during his remarks.
Macron has increasingly focused on engaging with African youth, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders. This strategic shift comes as Paris recalibrates its Africa strategy in the face of growing competition for influence across the continent from global powers such as Russia, China, and Turkey.
