Cambodia takes over the presidency of the Francophonie summit
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 24 Heure Info and Le Pays (Tchad)
Cambodia succeeds France at the helm of the 20th Francophonie Summit, whose opening ceremony was held on Sunday 15 November in Phnom Penh. The handover took place in the presence of Emmanuel Macron, the outgoing president, and Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), according to 24 Heure Info.
The opening ceremony brought together King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Manet, alongside several heads of state and government. Official speeches were delivered, followed by an artistic performance devoted to Cambodia’s cultural heritage.
The summit runs over two days. Leaders must also name Louise Mushikiwabo’s successor as Secretary-General of the OIF for the 2027-2030 period, as her term is coming to an end. Three candidates are vying for the post: the incumbent, Mauritanian Coumba Ba and former Romanian prime minister Dacian Cioloș.
The DR Congo announced on 14 November the withdrawal of the candidacy of Congolese Juliana Amato Lumumba. Kinshasa is also throwing its support behind Dacian Cioloș, in a move aimed at fostering consensus.
Three texts, finalised during the ministerial meetings the previous day, are being submitted to leaders: the Phnom Penh Declaration on political commitments to peace and solidarity, a resolution on crises, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and the Phnom Penh Appeal on the protection of cultural heritage and diversity.
