- Macron hosts the Francophonie summit to strengthen France's influence in Africa.
- Leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are not invited
- Macron aims to use the summit to address political disputes.
- The International Organisation of La Francophonie has 321 million French speakers worldwide.
President Emmanuel Macron is hosting leaders from various French-speaking countries at a summit this week, aiming to enhance France’s influence amid global crises, particularly in Africa. The “Francophonie” summit, taking place Friday and Saturday, marks the first time it has been held in France in 33 years. On Thursday, Macron held bilateral meetings with several prominent guests.
France’s influence in Africa has diminished significantly due to recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where pro-French governments were replaced by juntas aligning with Russia. Additionally, the ongoing crisis in Lebanon, a former French colony facing Israeli bombardments, underscores France’s waning authority in the Middle East.
Macron’s domestic standing has also weakened following the summer’s legislative elections, which necessitated the appointment of right-wing politician Michel Barnier to lead a minority government in a complex “cohabitation” situation. Among the notable attendees at the summit is Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is navigating his own political challenges after surviving two no-confidence votes recently.
The summit will take place across different locations, starting at a chateau in Villers-Cotterets, where Macron opened a French language center last year. The proceedings will then move to Paris on Saturday. Louise Mushikiwabo, secretary general of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), admitted the organization’s influence is currently “modest
The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) acknowledges its limitations, stating it cannot “resolve the complicated crises of the world, but can help facilitate progress,” according to secretary general Louise Mushikiwabo in an interview with AFP. Although prominent African leaders, including Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, are attending the summit, the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have not been invited.
One notable attendee at the summit will be Chad President Mahamat Idriss Deby, a key ally of France who frequently visits Paris. His Sahel nation continues to host French troops, even after their withdrawal from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Despite the political situation under General Mamady Doumbouya’s junta, Guinea has also received an invitation. A delegation from Lebanon is expected to attend, though the Lebanese prime minister will not be present.
In an interview with l’Union newspaper, Macron emphasized his vision for the Francophonie as “a space for mediation” and “a platform for dialogue to resolve political differences.” He expressed hope for progress on the territorial dispute between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda during the summit.
The OIF’s missions include promoting the French language, fostering peace, democracy, and human rights, supporting education, and enhancing economic cooperation. It estimates that there are approximately 321 million French speakers worldwide, making French the fifth most spoken language globally.
