'A total lack of respect': Macron halts Africa Forward Summit youth forum over noise

French President Emmanuel Macron seized the microphone at a University of Nairobi youth forum on Monday and rebuked delegates for making noise during the Africa Forward Summit...
✨ Key Highlights
French President Emmanuel Macron stopped a youth forum at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on Monday, May 11, 2026, due to excessive noise, calling it a "total lack of respect."
- President Macron seized the microphone to address the disruptions during a panel discussion with President William Ruto.
- The incident occurred during the Africa Forward Summit, an event designed to foster a new partnership between France and Africa.
- This summit is historically significant as Kenya is the first non-Francophone nation to host it since its inception in 1973.
Continue Reading
Read the complete article from The Standard
Part of the Day's Coverage
France Offers KSh12.5B Nairobi Rail Deal, KSh106B Port Terminal - May 2026
France has committed KSh12.5 billion to modernize the Nairobi commuter rail network, announced during President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Nairobi. France also announced plans to build a new KSh106 billion port terminal in Kenya. Macron halted the Africa Forward Summit youth forum over noise, calling it a "total lack of respect." However, Macron joined Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge for a morning run in Nairobi ahead of the summit. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua linked Macron's visit to a disputed KSh7 billion payout concerning the cancelled Rironi-Mau Summit Road project.











