French President Emmanuel Macron sparked reactions today after he interrupted a session during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi to demand silence from attendees during ongoing speeches.

The incident happened during a cultural discussion at the summit co-hosted by Kenya and France, where loud conversations in the audience reportedly disrupted speakers on stage. Macron, visibly frustrated by the noise, stood up and addressed the crowd directly, calling the situation “a total lack of respect.”

According to reports, the French President told attendees that those wishing to hold side conversations should leave the hall or use separate rooms so that speakers could be heard properly. His remarks were followed by applause from sections of the audience as calm returned to the event.

The Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi has brought together African leaders, students, business executives, and creatives to discuss partnerships, innovation, culture, and economic cooperation between Africa and France.