Mauritanian diplomat and former minister Coumba Bâ is vying for the position of Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). In a recent interview, she outlined her vision for revitalizing the institution, emphasizing the need for a more influential and result-driven Francophonie. Bâ aims to promote the use of French in daily life, economic exchanges, and new technologies, while addressing the challenges posed by the decline of French in certain domains and the rise of English.
Coumba Bâ's program prioritizes the vitalization of French through its utilization in education, work, creation, and economic activities. She advocates for increased production of Francophone content, improved distribution, and enhanced visibility on digital platforms. Bâ also proposes mobilizing universities, researchers, and businesses to develop high-quality French-language resources and artificial intelligence tools tailored to the needs of Francophone populations. This approach seeks to strengthen the utility and influence of French in a rapidly changing technological environment.
Supporting cultural industries and creative sectors is another key aspect of Bâ's program. She views creative industries as a means of cultural promotion and economic growth, generating employment and revenue. If elected, Bâ plans to establish a roadmap for the development of these industries within the first 100 days of her mandate. She also aims to propose a Francophone device for promoting cultural industries and creative sectors, enabling artists and young creators to produce, distribute, and profit from their work.
In the context of rising geopolitical tensions, Coumba Bâ emphasizes the importance of reinforcing multilateralism within the OIF. She believes the organization should remain a platform for dialogue among states, even when their positions diverge. Bâ expresses her desire to engage in frank discussions with countries, including those in the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES). She aims to restore relations with these countries while respecting the organization's fundamental principles and texts.
The relationship with Canada is also a significant aspect of Bâ's vision. She believes the Canadian administrator position within the OIF should continue, preserving the organization's political balance. Bâ seeks to strengthen Canada's participation in OIF programs, cooperation, and initiatives promoting French. She also advocates for greater involvement from observer members, who could contribute to financing, expertise, and partnerships.
Coumba Bâ's approach is structured around four principles: Données (Data), Dialogue, Développement (Development), and Dépassement (Overcoming). This method prioritizes identifying population needs, associating stakeholders in priority-setting, taking action with clear responsibilities and timelines, and regularly evaluating results. By adopting this approach, Bâ aims to demonstrate the tangible impact of OIF interventions on populations.
As the 20th Francophonie Summit approaches, Coumba Bâ's candidacy is centered on promoting a more solidary, influential, and result-driven Francophonie. Her priorities include linguistic reconquest, cultural industry development, and strategic partnerships. The Mauritanian diplomat seeks to rally support for her program, emphasizing the importance of a revitalized OIF in addressing global challenges.
Key points
- Coumba Bâ aims to prioritize dialogue with countries in the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) to restore relations and promote cooperation.
- The candidate emphasizes the need to strengthen the use of French in daily life, economic exchanges, and new technologies.
- Bâ's program focuses on supporting cultural industries and creative sectors as a means of cultural promotion and economic growth.
