Rwandan artist Ruti Joel recently performed at the 20th Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He was among the representatives of Rwanda at the event, which brought together countries that have French as an official language. The summit featured various activities, including music, dance, and art exhibitions showcasing the culture of participating countries. Ruti Joel's performance highlighted Rwandan music and showcased the country's rich cultural heritage to an international audience.
The event, known as Village de la Francophonie, took place at Wat Botum Vatey Park in Phnom Penh from November 13 to 17, 2026. It was organized to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the OIF summit, which aims to promote cultural exchange, linguistic diversity, and artistic expression among member countries. The festival featured a range of activities, including exhibitions, conferences, and performances. It was attended by representatives from various countries and organizations, each showcasing their unique cultural identity.
In addition to Ruti Joel's performance, the Rwandan National Dance Company, Urukerereza, also participated in the event. They collaborated with the Cambodian National Dance Company to showcase a blend of Rwandan and Cambodian cultural traditions. The dance performances highlighted the rich cultural heritage of both countries and demonstrated the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation.
The OIF summit, which took place on November 15 and 16, 2026, brought together leaders from countries that have French as an official language. The summit focused on promoting peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation. The theme of the summit, "Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability," emphasized the importance of investing in peacebuilding initiatives to achieve shared prosperity and lasting stability.
The participation of Ruti Joel and the Rwandan National Dance Company in the OIF summit provided an opportunity for Rwanda to showcase its cultural heritage and artistic talents to a global audience. The event also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation in promoting peace and understanding among nations. Rwandan artists' participation in the summit was facilitated by the Ministry of Youth and Cultural Development.
The OIF summit was officially opened on November 13, 2026, by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo. The event was attended by representatives from various countries and organizations, including government officials, artists, and cultural experts. The summit provided a platform for participants to engage in discussions on promoting peace, sustainable development, and cultural exchange.
The participation of Rwandan artists in the OIF summit demonstrates the country's commitment to promoting cultural exchange and cooperation with other nations. The event provided a valuable opportunity for Rwanda to showcase its rich cultural heritage and artistic talents to a global audience. Key to this effort was Umutoni Sandrine, Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Youth and Cultural Development.
Key points
- Ruti Joel's performance at the OIF summit showcased Rwandan music and culture to an international audience.
