The Francophonie summit is set to take place in Phnom Penh, with Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in attendance. The organization, which aims to promote French language and culture, will elect a new secretary general. Three candidates are vying for the position: Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda, Coumba Bâ of Mauritania, and Dacian Cioloș of Romania. Senegal, a founding member of the Francophonie, has yet to take a stance on the election.
Senegal's history with the Francophonie is significant, with Léopold Sédar Senghor, one of the organization's founding fathers, hailing from the country. Abdou Diouf, who served as Senegal's president for nearly 20 years, also led the Francophonie for three terms. The country has hosted the organization's summit twice, in 1989 and 2014. This year, Senegal has been courted by candidates, with ministers from Rwanda and Romania visiting Dakar to present their programs.
The Francophonie has been criticized for becoming too bureaucratic and lacking in economic and cultural initiatives. The organization's current structure has been accused of stifling entrepreneurship, creativity, and sports development. A new approach is being called for, one that prioritizes partnerships, markets, and cultural exchange. Dacian Cioloș, one of the candidates, has presented a program that aims to create economic opportunities and promote cultural exchange between Francophone countries.
Cioloș's program includes offering 1,709 scholarships to African students to study in Romanian universities and creating partnerships between businesses, universities, and networks of women and young entrepreneurs. He also promises to appoint an African woman as the organization's second-in-command. While Cioloș is not African, Romania has been a member of the Francophonie since 1993 and has a strong cultural affinity with the organization.
The election of the new secretary general has been complicated by a dispute between the Congo and Rwanda, with Kinshasa threatening to leave the organization if the current secretary general, Louise Mushikiwabo, obtains a third mandate. A compromise has been proposed, with Mushikiwabo offering to withdraw her candidacy if Kigali does the same. The African Union has called for a unified African voice in the election.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is being urged to take a stance on the election and support a candidate who can promote African unity and the interests of the Francophonie. The country's history and cultural ties to the organization make its silence on the matter significant. Senegal's participation in the Francophonie is crucial, and its voice is expected to be heard.
The Francophonie needs Dakar to regain its momentum, and Dakar needs the Francophonie more than ever. As President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Faye is aware of the importance of unity and cooperation. It is expected that he will make a statement in Phnom Penh that reflects the interests of Senegal and the African continent.
Key points
- Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is urged to take a stance on the Francophonie leadership election to promote African unity and the organization's interests.
