Arthur de Laborde
After numerous international trips, Emmanuel Macron concludes his long diplomatic journey in Tunisia, on the occasion of the Francophonie Summit. On the agenda, the war in Ukraine and its consequences on all the actors of the summit, but also France’s relations with French-speaking African youth.
After the G20 in Bali, then the Asia-Pacific Cooperation Forum in Thailand, Emmanuel Macron is expected in Djerba in Tunisia, to participate in the 18th Francophonie Summit in the company of around thirty Heads of State and Government. This meeting will be an opportunity to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the International Organization of La Francophonie but also the multiple crises experienced by its members.
Fears linked to the war in Ukraine
If La Francophonie actually has little influence on the international context, it will still be about a problem that affects all its members: the war in Ukraine. The conflict will be at the heart of a closed-door discussion session to be held in the early afternoon. The countries of the organization are particularly concerned about the risks weighing on the export of cereals and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia, vital products for most of them.
For the French president, this summit should also be an opportunity to address a subject that is close to his heart: the growing rejection of France and its policy which is expressed among the youth of French-speaking Africa. The focus will be on the importance of digital and how to combat misinformation and hate online. The Head of State could also take advantage of his presence in Djerba to raise the issue of immigration with his counterparts, in particular from the Maghreb. He will meet at midday with Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed against a backdrop of persistent tensions over visas and consular passes.