Cambodia’s Chance to Bridge the Francophonie’s Rift

Résumé détaillé

When French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Phnom Penh, his priority will be holding together a French-speaking bloc that is fraying.

When French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Phnom Penh, his priority will be holding together a French-speaking bloc that is fraying.

Civil society groups in Cambodia are petitioning him to support a freer civic and political space in Cambodia. Macron will have to weigh that request against the need not to offend a host whose ties he wants to cultivate. But the question of Cambodia’s civic space is likely to rank below the organisation’s own succession crisis.

The Francophonie is already weakened. In early 2025, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali announced their withdrawal after the organisation suspended their memberships following military coups in these countries. The three governments called the suspensions a violation of their sovereignty. Their exit was a major blow and a precedent that other members could follow. Another departure this year is something that France can ill afford.

The tension now runs through the membership. The immediate flashpoint is the race for secretary-general to be decided by heads of state and government on November 16. Louise Mushikiwabo, Rwanda’s former foreign minister, is seeking a third 4-year term after two terms at the helm. The Democratic Republic of Congo is backing Juliana Amato Lumumba, daughter of independence hero Patrice Lumumba and whose candidacy calls for a more political, more united Francophonie focused on young people.

Kinshasa brought around 200 delegates to Phnom Penh and has threatened to quit the organisation if the leadership question is not addressed. Two other candidates, Coumba Bâ of Mauritania and Dacian Cioloș of Romania, are also in the race.

Ahead of his arrival, it has been reported that Macron personally requested that Rwanda withdraw Mushikiwabo’s candidacy. France is the largest contributor to the organisation’s $79 million budget, which gives Macron more weight than any other member. But he cannot simply dictate. He must see the dispute settled peacefully, without offending Rwanda.

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