Djibouti Calls for Reinvestment in Peace at Francophonie Summit

Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, represented President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh at the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing peace as a long-term investment, stating that peace is not just the absence of conflict. The summit, themed "Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Stability," brought together leaders from Francophone countries.

Minister Omar stressed that sustainable prosperity is unattainable without justice, dialogue, and solidarity. He highlighted the need to invest in education, healthcare, employment, and youth development to achieve lasting peace. Furthermore, he emphasized that inequalities and exclusion must not be allowed to fuel divisions and instability. His message resonated particularly with Djibouti, which prioritizes dialogue and multilateral cooperation in its diplomatic efforts.

As a small state in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is committed to multilateral cooperation and dialogue. Minister Omar encouraged the Francophonie organization to fulfill its role as a political, cultural, and human space. He emphasized the importance of respecting diversity, sharing common values, and promoting collective responsibility. Djibouti's commitment to international cooperation is rooted in this approach.

The summit also aimed to designate the next Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) for the 2027-2030 term. The current Secretary-General, Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda, has been in office since 2019. Minister Omar expressed his desire for a more visible, inclusive, and result-oriented Francophonie. He assured that Djibouti is fully available to contribute to this goal.

The Francophonie Summit provided a platform for leaders to discuss pressing global issues. Djibouti's participation in the summit reflects its commitment to international cooperation and peacebuilding. Minister Omar's speech underscored the importance of collective action in promoting peace and stability.

The summit's theme, "Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Stability," reflects the organization's focus on peacebuilding and sustainable development. The Francophonie organization brings together countries that share a common language and cultural heritage. Minister Omar's call for reinvestment in peace resonated with the summit's objectives.

The outcome of the summit and the designation of the next OIF Secretary-General will be closely watched by Francophone countries. Djibouti's participation in the summit and Minister Omar's speech demonstrate the country's commitment to promoting peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Key points

• Djibouti's Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar emphasized the importance of prioritizing peace as a long-term investment at the 20th Francophonie Summit.
• The summit aimed to designate the next Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) for the 2027-2030 term.
• Minister Omar highlighted the need to invest in education, healthcare, employment, and youth development to achieve lasting peace.