Cambodia hosts French-speaking summit as Congo conflict threatens leadership vote

The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie is holding a three-day summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, bringing together leaders from 90 member states and governments. The gathering, which runs through Monday, marks the first time the confederation has met in the Cambodian capital. Participants include 53 full members, five associate members, and 32 observers, all from territories where French is spoken.

A central tension at the summit involves the election of the group's next secretary-general. The role, which serves as the chief executive for a four-year term, is currently contested by candidates from two feuding African nations. Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda is seeking reelection to a third term, while Juliana Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has entered the race. Lumumba is 71 years old and the daughter of Patrice Lumumba, a key figure in Congo's independence movement.

The conflict in eastern Congo is influencing the diplomatic dynamics. Congo, the United States, and United Nations experts have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, one of roughly 100 militias operating in the mineral-rich region along the border. Rwanda's government denies these allegations, stating it does not back armed groups in its neighbor. Congo has warned it may leave the organization if Mushikiwabo is chosen, a move that would have a substantial impact given Congo's status as the most populous nation where French is an official language.

Congo's population exceeds 110 million, which is more than 40 million higher than that of France. The potential withdrawal follows the departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which announced their exit in March 2025 after being suspended for military coups. Mali argued that the suspensions violated its sovereignty, while the broader trend reflects a decline in French political and military influence in Francophone Africa over recent decades.

French President Emmanuel Macron is attending the summit despite ongoing domestic unrest in France. The Interior Ministry reported that more than 600,000 people protested earlier this month to demand higher wages and support student movements. The demonstrations have led to thousands of arrests, hundreds of injuries, and fires at schools. Macron, who served as the organization's chair in 2024, is scheduled to hand over the chairmanship to Cambodia. He is also expected to visit the Angkor World Heritage Site near Siem Reap on Monday to mark the completion of a French-supported restoration of the West Mebon temple.

Approximately 20 government leaders are expected to attend, including Canada's Mark Carney, Vietnam's To Lam, Rwanda's Paul Kagame, and Congo's Félix Tshisekedi. They will meet with Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Manet. The summit's slogan, “Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability,” reflects Cambodia's recovery from the wars and unrest of the late 20th century. The agenda includes documents on peaceful coexistence, economic cooperation, and the protection of cultural heritage.

Cambodia, which has an opportunity to showcase its tourism and business potential, is hosting side events focused on commercial partnerships and cultural exchanges. Local political activists view the meeting as a chance to press for greater democratic freedoms in what is described as a de facto one-party state. U.N. Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews issued a statement asking delegates to uphold the organization's values and pressure the Cambodian government to release detained rights activists. He stated, “No one should be detained for defending human rights, reporting on matters of public concern, or voicing critical opinions.”

Cambodia has historical ties to the organization, as its late King Norodom Sihanouk was one of four founders in 1970 of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation. After Sihanouk was overthrown and the country endured civil war and the Khmer Rouge rule from 1975 to 1979, Cambodia joined the Francophonie as an observer in 1991 and became a full member in 1993. France holds significant influence in the decision-making process as the largest contributor to the organization's 2026 budget, which totals €71.7 million, or approximately $79 million.