In Yaoundé, Ignazio Cassis stresses the importance of cooperation between French-speaking countries for stability and peace
Bern, 05.11.2023 - Today was the final day of the 44th Francophonie Ministerial Conference held by the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, which focused on the topic of good governance. At the conference, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation in implementing the IOF's programmes, which seek to promote peace, stability and sustainable development in the French-speaking world.
Good governance is crucial for political, economic and social development. Along with other representatives of the IOF's 54 member states and governments, Switzerland highlighted the role of digital technologies in improving public services and fostering economic and cultural ties. In this context, OIF Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo thanked Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis for Switzerland's contribution to the latest digitisation report, which was presented to the OIF. In addition, there are plans to set up an IOF digital resources centre to help countries and governments meet their digital governance objectives, whose activities will be concentrated in Geneva. This centre will allow the development of partnerships, in particular through the numerous international organisations in Geneva involved in the digital sector.
In Yaoundé, Mr Cassis also referred to the importance of La Francophonie as a platform for multilateral cooperation in order to promote peace, stability and sustainable development. "We don't just share the same language, but a whole set of common values and sympathies as a result," he emphasised.
New cooperation programmes for the 2024–27 period
The 44th Francophonie Ministerial Conference outlined the IOF's 20 cooperation programmes for the 2024–27 period. The programmes focus on three strategic areas: culture and education, democracy and governance, and sustainable development. The IOF therefore aims to meet peace and development needs in French-speaking societies, especially with a view to benefiting women and young people.
With French as a common language, these programmes deliver long-term solutions in a wide range of areas, including education, training, the rule of law, business and trade. Switzerland has defined these as priority areas for French-speaking countries and is committed to sharing relevant expertise.
Political transitions in Africa
The ministerial conference in Cameroon was also an opportunity to discuss political transitions and the erosion of democracy. The conference took place against the backdrop of coups d'état in various countries across the Sahel and Central Africa, which will increase the likelihood of insecurity and destabilisation. The IOF is reviewing the instruments at its disposal in support of democracy and ways in which it can assist countries undergoing post-election political transitions. The rule of law and civic education play a key role here.
On the margins of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference, Mr Cassis had the opportunity to meet bilaterally with other state and government representatives, including from Andorra, Luxembourg, Senegal, Tunesia and the province of Quebec. He had further talks with the Foreign Ministers of Cameroon and of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani.
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