Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani participated in the opening ceremony of the 20th Francophonie summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 15. The summit, which concludes on November 16, brings together leaders from Francophone countries to discuss cooperation and development. The event is attended by notable figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Ghazouani was accompanied by Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug and Komba Ba, the country's candidate for the position of secretary-general.
The Francophonie summit features a competitive election for the secretary-general position, with four candidates vying for the top spot. Komba Ba, a Mauritanian diplomat, is competing against Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda, who is seeking a third term, as well as Dacian Cioloș, the former Prime Minister of Romania, and Juliana Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This marks the first time the secretary-general will be elected through a vote, rather than by consensus. The outcome of the election will be announced during the summit's closing session.
Komba Ba's candidacy is centered around the theme of "constructive neutrality." As a seasoned diplomat, she has served as an advisor to several Mauritanian presidents. Her campaign aims to promote cooperation and understanding among Francophone nations. In the lead-up to the summit, Merzoug engaged in discussions with his counterparts from Canada, France, and Vietnam to garner support for Ba's candidacy.
Tensions have risen between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo over the election. Kinshasa has expressed willingness to withdraw its candidate in favor of a consensus choice, while Kigali has rejected pressure to withdraw its own candidate. The competition for the secretary-general position has added a layer of complexity to the summit.
The 20th Francophonie summit is being held under the theme of "reinvesting in peace for common prosperity and lasting stability." The event provides a platform for member states to discuss pressing global issues, such as climate change, economic development, and peacebuilding. As a key player in the Francophone community, Mauritania is actively engaged in promoting cooperation and development.
President Ghazouani arrived in Phnom Penh from Antalya, Turkey, where he participated in the COP31 climate conference. His attendance at the Francophonie summit underscores Mauritania's commitment to multilateralism and cooperation. The summit offers an opportunity for Ghazouani to engage with other leaders and promote Mauritanian interests.
The outcome of the secretary-general election will have significant implications for the Francophonie organization and its member states. The new secretary-general will play a crucial role in shaping the organization's agenda and promoting cooperation among its members. As the summit concludes, leaders will look forward to working together to address common challenges and promote peace and prosperity.
Key points
- The 20th Francophonie summit is being held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from November 15 to 16.
- Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani is attending the summit, accompanied by Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug and Komba Ba, the country's candidate for secretary-general.
- The summit features a competitive election for the secretary-general position, with four candidates vying for the top spot.
