For the first time in its history, Cambodia is hosting a Francophonie Summit. Leaders and representatives from nearly 90 countries gathered in Phnom Penh this Sunday, 15 November, under the theme « Reinvesting in peace for shared prosperity and lasting stability ». The opening ceremony was attended by King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Manet and French President Emmanuel Macron, who handed Cambodia the summit presidency France had held since Villers-Cotterêts.
The peace theme quickly took on a very concrete meaning. In his opening speech, Hun Manet put his country’s conflict with Thailand at the centre of the discussions. Yet it is above all the election of the next secretary general of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) that has crystallised tensions, and it is the African continent that has the most at stake.
The race took a decisive turn on Saturday, on the sidelines of the Ministerial Conference. The Democratic Republic of Congo announced the withdrawal of its candidate, Juliana Amato Lumumba, a former minister and the daughter of Patrice Lumumba, in order to back former Romanian prime minister Dacian Cioloș. « We have chosen wisdom, cohesion and sacrifice, » said Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, who argues that a vote could undermine the organisation’s unity. Dacian Cioloș thanked Kinshasa while saying he remained open to dialogue with all members.
Kigali, for its part, is not backing down. Louise Mushikiwabo, elected in Yerevan in 2018 and reappointed in Djerba in 2022, told TV5MONDE that she was staying in the race. The OIF’s rules allow it, since four-year terms are renewable, and Abdou Diouf himself served three terms. Rwanda is therefore pushing for a vote. According to its foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, Kigali even turned down a request from Emmanuel Macron to Paul Kagame to withdraw. Jeune Afrique reported that the French president had proposed rallying delegations around Dacian Cioloș.
Behind this rivalry lies a far heavier dispute. Kinshasa, backed by UN experts, accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group in the east of the country, which Kigali denies. DR Congo, the world’s second-largest French-speaking country by number of speakers, has threatened to leave the OIF if Louise Mushikiwabo wins a third term. Such a departure would deprive the organisation of one of its pillars.
The incumbent nonetheless retains strong support. Several African countries defended her record during the ministerial meetings, praising the reforms carried out since she took office and what they see as sound financial management. Her supporters also highlight her plans for digital skills, entrepreneurship and youth employment. Mauritania’s Coumba Bâ, a former minister and diplomat, also remains in the running, bringing the number of contenders still in the race to three.
The outcome is expected on Monday 16 November. The heads of state and government of the 53 full members will meet behind closed doors to choose who will hold the 2027-2030 mandate. Tradition calls for a decision by consensus. Failing that, the rules adopted in 2022 provide for a secret ballot, won by the candidate with the most votes. It would be a first in the history of La Francophonie, and the result, announced at the close of the summit, will show whether the organisation leaves Phnom Penh united or weakened.