President Paul Kagame is set to attend the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from November 15 to 16. The summit will bring together leaders and representatives from 90 states and governments belonging to the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Rwanda's Louise Mushikiwabo, who has led the organisation since 2019, is seeking a third term as OIF Secretary-General. She faces competition from Juliana Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritania's Coumba Ba, and former Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos.
The election of the OIF Secretary-General has placed Rwanda and the DRC on opposing sides of a diplomatic contest. Relations between the two countries remain strained over the conflict in eastern Congo. Kinshasa is promoting Lumumba by highlighting the DRC's large population and its position as one of the world's largest French-speaking countries. Rwanda, on the other hand, is campaigning on Mushikiwabo's record of institutional reform, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and youth development.
Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has argued that disagreements between member countries should not be transferred into an organisation with a wider international mandate. Kagame's presence at the summit could strengthen Rwanda's campaign during negotiations among leaders of the OIF's 53 full members. The organisation traditionally seeks consensus when selecting its Secretary-General, but a secret ballot may be held if no agreement is reached.
The summit will take place under the theme, "Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability." Cambodia says the theme reflects its recovery from decades of conflict and its belief that peace is essential for investment, employment, and development. Discussions will cover international cooperation, education, culture, digital innovation, governance, and sustainable development.
This will be the first Francophonie summit hosted by Cambodia and only the second held in Asia, following the 1997 summit in Hanoi. Cambodia has been a full OIF member since 1993. Phnom Penh is preparing to receive thousands of delegates, journalists, investors, and cultural representatives. Nearly 1,000 volunteers and French-speaking guides have been trained, while special airport services, transport routes, medical facilities, and security systems are being prepared.
FrancoTech 2026 is expected to attract more than 5,000 participants and feature over 110 exhibition booths. A related economic forum could bring together more than 3,000 investors, business leaders, and policymakers. The Francophonie Village, scheduled for November 13 to 17, will feature exhibitions, performances, and discussions on culture, tourism, education, youth, and gender equality.
Rwanda already holds considerable influence within the organisation, having hosted the Francophonie Ministerial Conference in November 2025. Relations between Rwanda and Cambodia have also grown, with Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn reviewing bilateral cooperation with Rwanda's Nduhungirehe in September. The Phnom Penh summit will test the OIF's ability to remain united despite divisions among its members.
Key points
- President Paul Kagame will attend the 20th Francophonie Summit in Cambodia.
- Rwanda and DRC are competing for control of the OIF's top office.
- The summit will discuss international cooperation, education, culture, and sustainable development.
