Francophone summit opens with DR Congo, Rwandan clash
PHNOM PENH: A summit of French-speaking nations opened Sunday in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, with leaders including France’s President Emmanuel Macron seeking to avoid a walkout by the group’s biggest African member.
A summit of French-speaking nations opened in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Sunday, with the goal of avoiding a walkout by the organization's largest African member, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) brings together 90 states and nations, including the DRC, Canada, and 53 full members.
However, tensions have arisen between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's Paul Kagame, threatening the organization's unity. Rwandan OIF leader Louise Mushikiwabo is running for a third term, but DRC strongly opposes her re-election and has threatened to withdraw from the organization. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group within the DRC, a claim Rwanda denies.
Last year, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso withdrew from the OIF following pro-Russian juntas replacing Paris-friendly governments. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of unity during his opening speech, warning against internal fractures. The organization's expansion requires consensus to preserve its strength, which is its unity.
The situation has reignited discussions about France's influence on the OIF, as the former colonial ruler and the organization's largest donor.
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