Togo's Faure Gnassingbé Attends 20th Francophonie Summit in Cambodia

President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo is participating in the 20th Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from November 14, 2026. He is among 40 to 45 heads of state and government attending the event, including French President Emmanuel Macron. This gathering is a significant event for the OIF, an organization that brings together countries with French as an official language or significant French-speaking populations.

The choice of Cambodia as the host country highlights a paradox faced by the OIF: many of its member states have limited French-speaking populations. For instance, Cambodia has an estimated 463,000 francophones, which accounts for only 3% of its population. Neighboring countries like Laos and Vietnam have similarly low percentages of French speakers, with 204,000 (3%) and 693,000 (1%) respectively. This trend is also observed in other parts of the world, such as Armenia, which has 10,000 francophones (0.3%), and Albania, with 30,000 francophones (1%).

The situation is particularly striking in countries with large populations, such as Egypt, which has 3,205,000 francophones (3%), and Ghana, which joined the OIF in 2024 despite English being its official language and only 1% of its population speaking French. The case of Rwanda, under the leadership of outgoing Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo, is unique, as the country is gradually shifting away from French towards English, especially in education.

The OIF's evolution has led to it becoming a forum for both cultural and political discussions. For many countries, membership offers a diplomatic platform, opportunities for partnerships, and a gateway to the African francophone region. The case of Armenia illustrates this, as the country appears strategic in a region under Russian influence. To maintain a connection to the French language, the OIF signs linguistic pacts with its members, particularly those where French is not an official language.

However, this expansion has its critics, who argue that the OIF is drifting away from its primary mission of promoting the French language. Some members question the coherence of an organization that brings together countries with vastly different connections to the French language. Despite this, the French language continues to grow, particularly in Africa, driven by demographic growth.

The Phnom Penh summit is also set to designate the next Secretary-General of the OIF for the 2027-2030 mandate. The successor will need to balance two objectives: maintaining the organization's diplomatic role while reemphasizing the French language at the heart of the francophone project. For Togo, an active member of the OIF, this event provides an opportunity to strengthen its diplomacy.

The summit also underscores the significance of the recent consultations between Togo and Cambodia's Ministries of Foreign Affairs, which analysts see as a gateway to broader African markets. As the OIF continues to navigate its role in promoting the French language and facilitating diplomatic engagement, its member states, including Togo, are likely to play a crucial part in shaping its future.

Key points

• The OIF faces challenges in balancing its diplomatic and cultural roles amid debates on the French language's prominence within the organization.