Speaking at the opening of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Sunday, November 15, Mushikiwabo said the organisation’s strength lies in bringing countries together despite their differences, rather than allowing individual interests to undermine collective cooperation.
“The OIF is not a defensive alliance, and its unity does not require uniformity of positions. We must also resist the temptation to turn the OIF into a platform for bilateral interests, at the risk of fragmenting it,” she said.
She added that the organisation’s value lies in the ability of its members to meet on equal terms, identify shared interests and turn their diversity into a source of influence and trust.
French President Emmanuel Macron also called for unity, dialogue and consensus among member states, saying differences should not become a source of division.
He said the Francophonie should remain an open space where countries can work together despite their different positions, rather than allow internal disagreements to weaken cooperation.
“We can be different without being divided,” Macron said.
Macron’s remarks came as France handed over the presidency of the summit to Cambodia, which is hosting the two-day gathering.
Mushikiwabo’s remarks come amid a diplomatic contest over the organisation’s leadership, following reports of efforts to secure support for Romanian candidate Dacian Cioloș at the expense of Mushikiwabo, who is seeking a third consecutive four-year term.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) withdrew its candidate, Juliana Amato Lumumba, on November 14 and endorsed Cioloș, in a development that has reshaped the contest ahead of the selection scheduled for Monday, November 16.
Rwanda has maintained its support for Mushikiwabo, with officials insisting that the choice of the next Secretary-General must follow procedures agreed upon by OIF member states rather than arrangements imposed through diplomatic pressure.
The OIF’s rules provide for consensus as the first approach to selecting the Secretary-General. If members fail to agree, the process can proceed to a vote, with each member state entitled to one vote.
Africa accounts for 27 of the organisation’s 53 full members entitled to vote, giving the continent considerable influence should the selection proceed to a ballot.
President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame attended the opening ceremony of the summit at the Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday.
The gathering brought together representatives from 82 countries, including 23 heads of state, alongside other leaders and government representatives.
Those attending included Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Manet, French President Emmanuel Macron and Mushikiwabo.
The summit is being held under the theme “Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability”, with discussions focusing on international cooperation, peace, economic opportunities and the future of the Francophone community.
In her address, Mushikiwabo highlighted the OIF’s contribution to diplomacy and peacebuilding, particularly its engagement on crises in Haiti and Lebanon.
She said the organisation had become more effective despite limited resources and called on member states to strengthen their support for its work.
“Francophonie is not merely an actor in cooperation; it is also a political voice,” she said, calling for a stronger role in discussions on multilateralism, multilingualism and the governance of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
She also highlighted initiatives targeting young people and women, announcing that the OIF plans to launch a platform in 2027 to connect young people trained through its programmes with employment opportunities, paid assignments and entrepreneurship.
Mushikiwabo has led the organisation since 2018, overseeing reforms and initiatives targeting education, entrepreneurship, economic cooperation and the promotion of the French language.
A third term would extend her leadership to 2030.
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