Rwanda's President Kagame Attends 20th Francophonie Summit in Cambodia

President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame of Rwanda attended the official opening of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 15, 2026. The event took place at the Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre and was also attended by King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Secretary-General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo. The summit brought together leaders from 90 countries that are part of the Francophonie, aiming to discuss global issues and find common solutions.

The summit's host, Prime Minister Hun Manet, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, protecting national sovereignty, and resolving conflicts through peaceful and legal means. He stressed that national borders should not be changed by force. Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo highlighted that peace is a valuable asset that requires daily attention, noting that it takes time to build but can be quickly destroyed.

Mushikiwabo also praised Cambodia for understanding the value of peace after years of conflict. The OIF Secretary-General's comments were echoed by other leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who emphasized the crucial role of the Francophonie in building trust, promoting peace, and supporting sustainable development. Guterres noted that the shared language of French helps foster cooperation among nations and peoples.

The 20th Francophonie Summit has the theme "Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability." The two-day event, which concluded on November 16, 2026, brought together representatives from Francophonie member countries to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in diplomacy, economy, culture, education, and security. One of the key outcomes expected from the summit was the election of a new Secretary-General of the OIF.

Louise Mushikiwabo, who has been leading the OIF since 2019, was a candidate for re-election for a new term from 2027 to 2030. The attendance of President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame at the summit underscores Rwanda's commitment to the Francophonie's activities, particularly in promoting the French language and cooperation among nations.

The Francophonie Summit provided a platform for leaders to discuss pressing global issues, including peace, security, and sustainable development. The event highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the role of the Francophonie in promoting shared values and interests among its member countries.

President Kagame's participation in the summit demonstrates Rwanda's engagement with the international community on issues of peace, security, and development. The summit's outcomes and discussions are expected to contribute to the country's efforts to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and beyond.

Key points

• President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame of Rwanda attended the 20th Francophonie Summit in Cambodia, focusing on peace, security, and sustainable development.