Trending Now - Macron's Africa Tour Highlights UN Reform Amid Controversy

WHO:

AP News - French President Emmanuel Macron

AP News - Kenyan President William Ruto

AP News - Thierno Mbaye, a history student in Dakar, Senegal

AP News - Danièle Obono, a lawmaker for the hard-left party France Unbowed

AP News - Farida Nabourema, a Togolese human rights activist

AP News - Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst at geopolitical risk consultancy Control Risks

AP News - Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center think tank

WHAT:

AP News - Macron interrupted a panel at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, demanding silence from the audience.

AP News - Macron announced a $27 billion investment into various sectors in Africa, including energy, artificial intelligence, and agriculture.

AP News - The Africa Forward Summit is expected to close with a declaration signed by all 30 heads of state.

AP News - An Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of the French Foreign Ministry indicated that 74% of respondents in nine African countries have a positive image of France.

WHERE:

AP News - The Africa Forward Summit took place in Kenya.

AP News - Macron concluded his Africa visit in Ethiopia.

AP News - The survey was conducted in nine African countries.

WHEN:

AP News - The withdrawal of French troops from Senegal was completed in July.

AP News - The Africa Forward Summit is set to close on Tuesday.

WHY:

AP News - Macron's intervention was a response to what he called a “total lack of respect” from the audience.

AP News - Macron aims to shift France's policy in Africa from a former colonial power to a partnership of equals.

AP News - Macron's remarks about being a “true Pan-Africanist” were intended to address criticism of France's colonial legacy.

HOW:

AP News - Macron walked onto the stage and asked the speaker to hand him the microphone to “restore order.”

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 21:24 UTC)

At the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, President Macron interrupted a panel to demand silence from the audience, citing a “total lack of respect.” He announced a significant $27 billion investment aimed at various sectors in Africa, including energy, artificial intelligence, and agriculture, while emphasizing his desire to shift France's role from a former colonial power to a partnership of equals. The summit is expected to conclude with a declaration signed by all 30 heads of state on Tuesday.