The Francophonie Summit began in Tunisia on Saturday with a focus on economic cooperation in front of thirty leaders. Ignacio Cassis, representative of Switzerland, is the president of the federation.
The two-day meeting will be an opportunity for Western and African leaders to discuss hot topics such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with an official emphasis on the “vector of digital growth.”
Many African countries have condemned what they see as a lack of international solidarity with the continent as it faces its own crises, while noting that Europe has mobilized quickly to come to Ukraine’s aid.
After being welcomed by Kais Saied and Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie, the leaders will pose for a traditional family photo against the backdrop of Djerba Island, before speeches and work behind closed doors.
Recapturing space
This 18th summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) celebrates the 50th anniversary of an organization founded in 1970 and with 88 members, all non-French speakers from Armenia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates or Serbia.
A total of 89 delegates or leaders made the trip, including Frenchman Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Justin Trudeau and European Council President Charles Michel. “La Francophonie should not be an institutional space, it should be a living space, of resistance and restoration,” said Mr. Macron said.
The four-year re-election of the OIF’s Secretary General is on the menu of meetings between the representatives of 321 million French speakers, 750 million in 2050.
“Redouble Your Efforts”
Ms Mushikiwabo urged member states to “redouble their efforts” in the face of the decline of French in international organisations. Despite voices of criticism, he judged his organization “more relevant than ever” in an interview with AFP.
According to a Canadian official, a heavyweight in the Francophonie, the organization “can be a positive force” on issues such as “peace, economic prosperity and the strengthening of democracy”.
Canada will express its “concerns” about “democratic participation” in Tunisia since President Said seizes full power in July 2021.
The digital challenge
Like many members of the OIF, Quebec wants to use the summit to “increase (its) presence in French-speaking Africa, where business opportunities are increasing.” Quebec will emphasize “the importance of French, the world’s third business language,” through its Prime Minister François Legault, according to a press release.
The Senegalese Minister for La Francophonie, Penda Mbow, said, “We will judge the ability of French-speaking countries to reduce the digital divide in society”. Ms Mbo also predicted that La Francophonie would play a greater role in managing international crises.
This article was published automatically. Sources: ats / afp
“Avid gamer. Social media geek. Proud troublemaker. Thinker. Travel fan. Problem solver.”