The Francophonie is set to hold a significant leadership election on November 16, as heads of state and government gather to choose a new Secretary-General for a four-year term. This year's election marks a departure from past practice, with a vote to be held instead of a consensus-based decision. According to analyst Dieudonné Ilunga Mpunga, this change brings a new level of legitimacy to the position and increased responsibility for the elected candidate.
The next Secretary-General will face high expectations to deliver concrete results for French-speaking populations, particularly in Africa. With the majority of French speakers living on the continent, the organization must prioritize their needs and aspirations. Ilunga Mpunga emphasizes that the new leader must focus on providing opportunities for education, mobility, employment, and entrepreneurship, which are critical for the continent's youth.
The promotion of the French language is another key challenge for the next Secretary-General. While French expansion is driven by Africa's demographic growth, it must coexist with national languages, English, and digital communication. Ilunga Mpunga advocates for a multilingual approach that promotes French without opposing other languages. This can be achieved through education, media support, cultural creation, and a stronger online presence.
The Francophonie's role in promoting peace, stability, and economic cooperation will also be crucial under the new leadership. In a context marked by security crises in Africa, the organization can strengthen its diplomatic efforts, support civil society, and protect media freedom. Ilunga Mpunga suggests that the Francophonie can play a more significant role in facilitating dialogue, mediation, and economic integration.
One of the criticisms of the Francophonie is its limited operational presence between institutional summits. The next Secretary-General must establish a mechanism for regular follow-up on commitments, with clear priorities and accountability to member states. This is particularly important given the increased expectations following the introduction of a vote-based election process.
The African continent must play a more significant role in the Francophonie's decision-making bodies and financing mechanisms, according to Ilunga Mpunga. As the demographic hub of the Francophonie, Africa should be a driving force in shaping strategic orientations, program implementation, and leadership positions. This vision aligns with Juliana Lumumba's concept of a "Francophonie des peuples," which emphasizes the involvement of populations in decision-making.
Ultimately, the success of the next Secretary-General will be measured by their ability to translate commitments into tangible results. The new leader must demonstrate leadership, proximity to populations, and a capacity to embed the organization's actions in the long term. As the Francophonie looks to 2030, its impact will be judged not only on diplomatic initiatives but also on concrete achievements for French-speaking populations.
Key points
- The Francophonie's new Secretary-General will be elected on November 16, with high expectations for delivering concrete results for French-speaking populations.
