French President Emmanuel Macron interrupted a conference in Nairobi, Kenya, this Monday to call out the audience for noise and side conversations during the event. The unexpected intervention by the head of state was met with applause from the public.
The episode occurred during a debate titled “Africa Forward: Creation in Motion,” held in the Kenyan capital, where Macron was watching a discussion among young participants. Mid-session, the French President rose from his seat, walked to the stage, and interrupted the speakers, demonstrating visible discomfort with the noise coming from the rows behind him.
After requesting the microphone from the debate moderator, Macron openly criticized the behavior of a portion of the audience, emphasizing that the atmosphere being created prevented the normal continuation of the discussion.
“I’m sorry, but it is impossible to speak about culture with people who are so agitated and making so much noise. This is a total lack of respect,” the French head of state told the room.
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Macron further added that participants who wished to maintain side conversations should leave the area or find another room. “I suggest that, if you want to chat or talk about something else, you find separate rooms or leave,” he declared.
The reprimand was welcomed with applause from several members of the audience. Following the moment of tension, the debate was resumed and proceeded without further incident.
🤫 « Hey! Hey! » @EmmanuelMacron s’invite sur scène pour réclamer le silence au public lors d’un échange sur la culture en marge du sommet Afrique-France à Nairobi @RTLFrance pic.twitter.com/y9pcrCbVy1
— Arthur Bellier (@ArthurBllr) May 11, 2026
