15th Francophonie Summit: New vision set

Cameroon’s chief Executive, Paul Biya has taken active part at the 15th summit of the organisation of Francophone countries organised in the Senegalese Capital, Dakar.

President Paul Biya and wife Chantal were amongst some 28 Heads of state and Government of countries that use French as their maternal, administrative, or educational language.

The Cameroonian leader was amongst the 15 world leaders to take to the rostrum to address summit. The different orators raised the alarm bell on security challenges, the fight against terrorism, poverty and the promotion of education and gender equality.

In his speech, President Paul Biya reminded members of the International Organisation of Francophone countries that a lot of time and efforts are needed to eradicate poverty and exclusion from a dangerous world where civil wars, ethnic or religious rivalries are recurrent.

One major solution, he says, is solidarity and no compromise; “solidarity that unites us, should equally continue to be exercised towards development.”

The Head of state was particularly concerned by the theme of the summit, “women and youths of the francophonie: vectors of peace, actors of development”. He proposed that the aspirations of women and youths should take the form of programmes and projects.

The outgoing Secretary General, called for collective efforts to embrace the challenges of the time, citing the fight against terrorism, Ebola, egoism and other vices.

French President François Hollande told the gathering that, “we are a community that solves crises”. He called for democracy and governance as essential pillars for peace and development. Talking on the French Language, Francois Hollande said, we defend all languages through the French language and it is not in war with any other language.

The Host President Macky Sall of Senegal revisited the rights of the youths and women to education and health amongst others. The future of La Francophonie he added is in its potentials especially the youthful population, the majority of which are found in Africa.

The different speakers at the event paid homage to the former Senegalese President, Abdou Diouf for his contribution as Secretary General of the International Organisation of Francophone countries for 12 years.

The summit was marked by the christening of the International Conference Centre, CICD baptised the Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre in honour of the outgoing Secretary General.

He has been replaced by Michaelle Jean a Canadian born in Port-au-Prince, in Haiti. The teacher, Journalist and holder of a diploma in Literature was the 27th Governor General of Canada. She is the first female and non-African scribe of the Francophonie.

Over 900 pressmen from around the world covered the event.