On Saturday, November 19, the Francophonie Summit opens in Tunis, focusing on economic cooperation, with the presence of some thirty leaders; “hit” For President Qais Said, more than a year after his coup.
If the two-day summit officially focuses “Digital as a development vector”, it will also be an opportunity for Western and African leaders to discuss hot topics such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which seems to be dividing them. Indeed, many African countries deplore what they perceive as a lack of international solidarity with the continent in the face of its own crises, noting that Europe has mobilized quickly, on the other hand, to come to the aid of Ukraine.
This 18th summit of the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) on the island of Djerba will also be an opportunity to celebrate the belated fifty years of the organization founded in 1970 with 88 members, not all of whom are French speakers. Armenia, Egypt, Moldova, United Arab Emirates or Serbia. The summit coincides with the final round of COP27 on climate in Egypt and follows the G20 meeting in Indonesia, which was dominated by the war in Ukraine, which is an observer country under the OIF. In total, 89 delegations, seven international organizations and more than thirty leaders are present, including French Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Justin Trudeau, European Council President Charles Michel or Senegalese Macky Saul.
The decline of French in international organizations
The re-election of Rwandan Louise Mushikiwabo, the only candidate nominated, as OIF secretary-general is also scheduled for two days of meetings between representatives of the 321 million French-speaking territories, which will more than double to 750 million by 2050 thanks to African demographics. Ahead of the summit, Louise Mushikiwabo told AFP she wanted to ask member states “double the effort” faced with the decline of French in international organizations. Despite the critical voices condemning Francophonie “inaudible”Louise Mushikiwabo judged her organization “More relevant than ever” and can“Bring a little added value” the time “Most of the world’s problems.”citing COP27.
According to a Francophone heavyweight from Canada, the organization “Can be a positive force” on issues such as “Peace, economic prosperity and strengthening of democracy”.. Canada also wanted to respond at the summit, this official said “As for” for “Democratic Participation” After the assumption of full power by President Said in July 2021 in Tunisia, which is going through a serious socio-economic crisis.
Tunisia hosts the meeting, which is usually held every two years, after two postponements: in 2020 due to Covid-19 and then in the fall of 2021 after the Said coup, which is blamed for ending the Arab world’s unique experiment in democracy. The summit is being held in Tunisia “success” for its president because it will “Get him out of isolation at least temporarily”, thinks French political scientist Vincent Gaiser. But the summit will not overshadow the crisis that Tunisia is going through, as the attempt by protesters to go to Djerba on Friday reminded us of the disappearance two months ago of 18 migrants who had left a neighboring town after a boat sank. .
French is the third business language in the world
Like many OIF members, the Canadian province of Quebec intends to take advantage of the summit. “growth (his) presence in French-speaking Africa, where business opportunities are multiplying.” “Leader of Economic Francophonie”.Quebec will insist through its Prime Minister Francois Legault “On the importance of French, the third business language in the world”, it is said in the official message. For Penda Mbou, Minister of Francophonie Affairs of Senegal. “We will judge French-speaking countries on their ability to reduce the digital divide in their society.”
Penda Mbow also predicts an increase in the role of Francophonie in the management of international crises. But for Senegalese civil society figure Aliou Tine, OIF has proven itself “Completely powerless, against fake elections, third terms (from African leaders, editor’s note) and military coups”In Mali, Guinea or Burkina Faso.
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.