Macron urges unity as Francophonie summit opens in Cambodia

The Francophonie summit opened in Phnom Penh amid a dispute over its next secretary-general and a threat by the Democratic Republic of Congo to leave the organisation. Emmanuel Macron urged members to preserve unity, as Congo’s departure would weaken a group that brings together about 90 states and governments.

Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo, secretary-general since 2018, is seeking a third term; Congo had threatened to quit if she won, citing Rwanda’s alleged support for M23, which Rwanda denies. Congo withdrew its own candidate and backed former Romanian prime minister Dacian Ciolos, while Rwanda said Mushikiwabo would remain in the race. The OIF was due to choose its leader on Monday; Congo has 57.3 million French speakers, the world’s second-largest total after France.