A discussion forum attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and President William Ruto at the University of Nairobi was briefly interrupted on Monday after noise from the audience disrupted one of the speakers.
The forum, held as part of the Africa Forward Summit, brought together young people, innovators and leaders to discuss education, technology and Africa’s future in the digital economy.
As one of the speakers addressed the audience, sections of the hall became noisy, prompting Macron to walk to the stage and directly address attendees.
“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,”said Macron.
The French President criticized the disruption, saying it was disrespectful to the speaker and the audience following the discussion.
“This is a total lack of respect. So 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, okay? Thank you,” Macron admonished.
The hall later fell silent, with part of the audience applauding after Macron handed back the microphone.
“And this, ladies and gentlemen, is cold leadership,” a moderator remarked afterward.
Macron is in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit, a two-day meeting co-hosted by Kenya and France on May 11 and 12.
The summit has attracted Heads of State, investors, business leaders, policymakers and young innovators from across Africa and France to discuss economic growth, innovation and international cooperation.
More than 1,500 delegates are expected to attend the summit.
Speaking during the youth forum, Ruto defended Kenya’s Competency-Based Education reforms, saying the system is designed to equip learners with skills needed in a changing labour market driven by technology and artificial intelligence.
“The previous education system was about how much you could remember, memorize and regurgitate,” Ruto said.
He also highlighted Kenya’s investment in digital infrastructure, including the laying of 30,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to support innovation and internet access.
Macron praised Kenya’s efforts in digital transformation and encouraged African countries to invest in artificial intelligence, energy and computing infrastructure.
“We wish to build partnerships on an equal footing, founded on shared interests and tangible results,” Macron said.
The Africa Forward Summit will be a significant milestone in that endeavour. For the first time, France and an English-speaking African country will co-chair this event, symbolizing an open and future-focused relationship.
