Francophonie

October 11, 2018

World

Saudi Arabia withdraws bid to join Francophonie group

Saudi Arabia on Thursday withdrew its application to join the world’s club of French-speaking countries, the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF). The move comes as Riyadh faces pressure over its human rights record.

© Karen Minasyan, AFP | Women sweep next to a poster announcing the XVII Francophone countries summit in Yerevan, on October 6, 2018.

October 10, 2018

Africa

France backs controversial Rwandan candidate to head Francophonie

The International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) chooses its new leader at a summit in Armenia on Thursday and Friday. But the French-backed candidacy of Rwandan foreign minister Louise Mushikiwabo has caused a great deal of controversy.

© Ludovic Marin, AFP | Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo, who is running for Secretary General of the International Organisation de La Francophonie (OIF), at the UN General Assembly, September 25, 2018.

October 09, 2018

Canada

Canada 'won't go to the wall' on Michaëlle Jean's bid for second term at Francophonie

Former governor general faces strong challenge from Rwandan minister

The Trudeau government appears to have given up on former governor-general Michaëlle Jean's bid for a second term as secretary-general of the Francophonie. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)