In a significant gathering in Cambodia, leaders from French-speaking nations are convening to navigate a power struggle that could redefine the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). As the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda vie for leadership, the summit highlights the urgent need for unity and collaboration among diverse nations united by language, while also addressing underlying tensions that threaten the organization’s cohesion and mission.
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Leaders of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) are convening in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, amid rising tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda regarding the organization’s leadership. This three-day summit, running through Monday, is pivotal for the future of the OIF, a loosely connected federation comprising 90 states and governments where French is widely spoken or used. The organization includes 53 full members, five associate members, and 32 observer states.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who chaired the last summit in 2024, arrived in Cambodia on Saturday to engage with Prime Minister Hun Manet and discuss the ongoing dynamics within the association. Approximately 20 leaders are anticipated to attend, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Vietnamese President To Lam, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, highlighting the high stakes and international interest in the proceedings.
Central to the summit’s agenda is the selection of the OIF’s next secretary-general for a four-year term. Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo, who has served since 2018, is in contention for a third term. However, the DRC has threatened to withdraw from the organization if Mushikiwabo is re-elected, alleging that Rwanda supports the M23 armed group operating in its eastern region—a claim Rwanda categorically denies. The DRC’s decision to withdraw its candidate, Juliana Lumumba, the daughter of independence icon Patrice Lumumba, in favor of Romanian former Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos, signals a strategic move to foster unity within the group.
In response to the unfolding political drama, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed that Mushikiwabo remains in the race, as does Mauritania’s Coumba Ba, a former minister. Macron has emphasized the need for consensus among member states, recognizing that this goal is crucial for the organization’s stability. France currently leads the funding of the OIF, contributing significantly to its 2026 budget of 71.7 million euros ( million).
The DRC, home to over 110 million people and the largest Francophone nation by population, represents a vital constituency within the OIF. Its potential departure could signify a significant setback for the organization, already experiencing challenges following the withdrawals of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in March 2025 due to political turmoil.
The summit, titled “Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability,” also presents an opportunity for human rights advocates to call for reforms in Cambodia, a country that has been criticized for its one-party political structure. UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews has urged delegates to advocate for the release of detained activists, underlining the vital connection between political discourse and human rights.
As Macron navigates domestic challenges marked by widespread protests in France, he plans to visit the impressive Angkor World Heritage Site before departing for further diplomatic engagements in Malaysia, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of international relations faced by leaders at this critical juncture.
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