Macron hosts summit with Francophone leaders to enhance French influence

This week, President Emmanuel Macron is hosting a summit in France for leaders of French-speaking countries, marking the first time in 33 years that the event has been held in the country. The summit, known as the 'Francophonie' summit, aims to enhance France's influence, particularly in Africa, where its standing has diminished due to recent political upheavals in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These nations have shifted towards alliances with Russia, undermining France's traditional role in the region. The summit will take place over two days, with leaders gathering at a chateau in Villers-Cotterets and then moving to Paris. Macron is also engaging in bilateral talks with several key guests, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is currently facing his own political challenges. Notably, leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have not been invited, reflecting the changing dynamics in French-African relations. Louise Mushikiwabo, the secretary general of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), acknowledged the organization's limited influence but emphasized its role in facilitating dialogue and addressing global crises. The summit is seen as an opportunity for Macron to mediate political differences, particularly regarding tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Overall, the event underscores France's efforts to reclaim its influence in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, while also addressing internal challenges faced by Macron's government amid a backdrop of international crises.