The delegations representing the four governments of Canada members of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) went to Yerevan with a determination to promote the French language and preserve the fundamental values that must be defended at all costs by the Francophonie. Fundamental values such as the rule of law, respect for human rights, democracy and freedom of expression, which are cherished by Canadians, and which Canada is continually promoting in Canada. OIF.
Before flying to Yerevan, where she participated in the Ministerial Conference of Francophonie (CMF), on October 8 and 9, the Canadian Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and Francophonie, Mélanie Joly, made a point of stating clearly the importance of defending, strengthening and promoting the values of the Charter of La Francophonie and the use of the French language internationally: “Canada, as always, attaches great importance to the values of La Francophonie, of which the promotion of peace, democracy and human rights […] These values will be at the heart of our interventions at the Francophonie Summit, “says the Canadian Minister responsible for La Francophonie.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who will attend the Summit of Heads of State and Government on October 11 and 12 in Yerevan, has also indicated that La Francophonie plays a leading role in defending common values, and that Canada commits to the defense of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The issue at the Yerevan Summit was twofold for the Canadian delegations, which had to speak with a firm and unequivocal voice:
First, to defend the fundamental values that are at the very heart of the raison d’être of the OIF, constitute the foundation on which the Organization’s action is built and make it a serious international institution in the eyes of the world. whole and respectful of democratic principles in the French-speaking world.
Secondly, it was a question of trying to convince the other member States and governments of the need to choose, at the head of this precious organization, a person who would be more inclined to vigorously defend the democratic principles, the respect of the fundamental rights of the person, the rule of law and individual freedoms throughout the French-speaking world.
Since the beginning of his election campaign, Quebec’s new elected prime minister, François Legault, was not happy to support Michaëlle Jean for a second. Even after the election, he was still hesitant to support the renewal of his fellow citizen’s mandate.
François Legault’s position was so ambiguous that he was not going to follow Justin Trudeau’s footsteps, to give himself free rein to resist Emmanuel Macron’s pressure. Thus, to prevent Canadian delegations from being able to speak in one way, Canada did not want to engage in a showdown with all the other members, particularly African members, who had already clearly displayed their position. support to Rwandan Louise Mushikiwabo.
Canada therefore succumbed to pressure from President Macron, who insisted on the imposition of the Rwandan candidate, for reasons that are still unknown, and the blackmail of the African bloc not to support Canada’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. However, Canada should most likely be the director of OIF, the organization’s number two, in charge of management and administration.
Never mind, Canada Blue Helmets, Canada who bravely protests against human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, Canada who lifts the taboo and stands up for LGBTQ minorities, Canada who brandishes rights and freedoms, should not sacrifice or challenge the core values advocated by the OIF and cherished by Canadians. There is a very worrying attempt by some states to question the fundamentals that for decades have been the strength of La Francophonie.
Louise Mushikiwabo will be kept an eye on her work to defend the French language in the world and for the promotion of human rights and democratic principles, starting at home.
Quebec expertise at the service of the OIF
The Chief Executive Officer of OIF, as number two of the organization, is responsible for executing, facilitating and managing multilateral intergovernmental cooperation, as well as for ensuring, under the authority of the Secretary general, the management of administrative and financial affairs.
In fact, to give the new Canadian administrator the ability to assume his responsibilities, in accordance with the Charter of La Francophonie, for the implementation of the OIF budget, he will need effective regulatory instruments to ensure consistency. decision-making process.
A few months ago, the OIF set up a Transparency Working Group to identify potential shortcomings and fix them quickly to ensure efficient, effective and cost-effective management over the coming years. And it is Quebec that has been charged with chairing this commission.
This is an opportunity that Québec must seize to provide its expertise, help modernize OIF’s transparency policies, define the rules and the highest standards of management and accountability, and develop best practices. and create favorable conditions for sound management of OIF resources.
Although he has not managed to obtain the renewal of Michaëlle Jean’s mandate as head of La Francophonie, Canada remains an important player in this organization. He has not lost his face or his influence, especially since he is the second largest provider of Francophonie funds.
By Isidore KWANDJA NGEMBO, Political scientist
