In Cotonou, Francophone civil society is setting a new course for the next two years. Meeting with the support of the OIF, it is taking stock of its term in office, renewing its leadership, and setting its priorities for 2026–2028. At the forefront is a Declaration that will present its recommendations to the next Francophonie Summit, to be held in November in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. From peace to the realities facing local communities, the challenge now is to turn collective statements into concrete action.
In Cotonou, Benin, on September 28 and 29, 2026, Francophone civil society is meeting as part of the 16th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of International Francophone Non-Governmental Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations (COING) to review its 2024–2026 term, renew its governance, and set its priorities for the 2026–2028 period, with the support of the OIF. Participants are taking part in discussions focusing in particular on peace, democracy, human rights, youth, the economy, and resilience.
“Just a few weeks before the 20th Francophonie Summit, it is our responsibility to make the voice of an engaged, demanding, constructive, and action-oriented Francophone civil society heard. Over these two days, we will have the opportunity to debate and put forward proposals, but above all, to work together to find ways to make peace not merely an ideal that we invoke, but a reality that we build in our communities, our territories, and our institutions.”
Claude Musavyi, President of COING – Burundi
At the conclusion of this consultation, the organizations accredited to the Francophonie are expected to adopt a Declaration of Francophone Civil Society. This document will convey their recommendations to the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled to take place in November 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The initiative aims to turn realities on the ground into shared priorities, around the theme: “Reinvesting in Peace: Mobilizing Francophone Civil Society for Shared Prosperity, Resilient Territories, and Lasting Stability.”
“The contribution you are developing here in Cotonou will enable me to convey to Heads of State and Government the voice and advocacy of Francophone civil society on the theme of the Summit, which, I remind you, is investing in the army for shared prosperity. I hope that this advocacy will reflect the diversity of your organizations and the realities you encounter on the ground.”
Désiré Nyaruhirira, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of the Francophonie – Rwanda
“I sincerely hope that the discussions held during these meetings will lead to concrete, innovative, and forward-looking proposals, that they will inform upcoming decisions, and contribute to strengthening peace, stability, and development throughout the Francophone community.”
Franck Armel AFOUKOU, Secretary-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Benin – Benin
Within the Francophone community, NGOs and INGOs work on issues related to peace, democracy, human rights, youth, climate, digital technology, and sustainable development. Through COING, they share their experiences and put forward proposals based on realities observed on the ground. These contributions are intended to inform discussions and decision-making within the Francophonie.
