Quebec prepares to weigh in on race to lead international Francophonie organization
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
QUÉBEC – The newly elected Parti Québécois government in Quebec City will soon get a chance to help choose the next leader of the international organization of French-speaking nations.
The new head of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie will be announced on Nov. 16, at the end of the 20th Francophonie Summit being held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Canada was a founding member of the organization in 1970, while Quebec became a full member in 1971 and New Brunswick in 1977.
Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has said he places particular importance on international relations and is set to attend the summit.
Four candidates — three African women and one European man — are vying for the post of secretary-general of the organization.
The organization of 90 members aims to promote the French language, diversity, education, peace, as well as democracy and human rights.
The premier’s office told The Canadian Press Quebec has not yet decided who to support in the race.
“Quebec hopes that the person elected will bring strong influence and unity to the Francophonie and be receptive to Quebec’s priorities and interests,” added Camille Jobin, a spokesperson for the Ministry of International Relations.
The secretary-general represents the world’s most important francophone players and has an annual budget of approximately $116 million.
Canada contributed $43 million to the organization in 2025—26, making it the second-largest contributor after France.
This year’s race is taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical and military tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The candidates are Rwandan Louise Mushikiwabo — who is seeking a third term as head of the organization —, Congolese Juliana Amato Lumumba, former Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos and Mauritarian Coumba Bâ.
Under Mushikiwabo’s leadership, three new offices were opened in Beirut, Tunis, and Quebec City. The organization accepted seven new members, while three others — Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — withdrew.
The organization was founded in 1970, driven in particular by Senegalese President Léopold Sédar Senghor and Cambodian Prince Norodom Sihanouk.
Ontario and Nova Scotia hold observer status in the organization. Manitoba is also interested in becoming a member.
Since the position was created in 1997, all secretaries-general have been African, with the exception of Michaëlle Jean of Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 9, 2026.