Morocco hosted the 2nd Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in Francophone Environments in Rabat on May 20, 2026, ten years after the Paris conference. Co-chaired by Nasser Bourita and Jean-Noël Barrot, the event brought together 62 delegations to adapt UN missions to the realities on the ground. The Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs called for profound reform, noting that Francophone countries host two-thirds of the missions but provide only 28% of the personnel and 24% of the women deployed. Louise Mushikiwabo (OIF) supported this initiative, emphasizing French-language training and gender parity. Jean-Noël Barrot commended Morocco’s strategic commitment to the stability of the African continent. Participants advocated for realistic and prioritized mandates to avoid the status quo. This meeting marks a key step in strengthening the influence and effectiveness of Francophone peacekeepers.
Ten years after the Paris conference, Rabat, the Moroccan capital, hosted the second Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in Francophone Environments on May 20, 2026. Co-chaired by Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jean-Noël Barrot, his French counterpart, this high-level event brought together 62 delegations and 26 ministers under the auspices of the UN and the OIF (International Organisation of the Francophonie). At the opening, Minister Nasser Bourita advocated for a thorough overhaul of peace operations to adapt them to the realities on the ground and prevent them from becoming instruments of the status quo. He notably highlighted the gap between the involvement of the Francophone community and its actual influence.
“I begin with a paradox, and a glaring one at that: the Francophone space is today the epicenter of modern peacekeeping. The Francophone space hosts two-thirds of peacekeeping missions, which mobilize 60% of the United Nations budget in this sector. Yet, the role of this space in the design and implementation of this instrument remains below its potential. The presence of Francophone countries in peacekeeping forces does not exceed 28%, and this observation is even more pronounced when it comes to the gender approach. Francophone women represent only 24% of the female personnel deployed in peacekeeping operations.”
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Morocco
Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the OIF (International Organisation of La Francophonie), reiterated her organization’s support for this reform dynamic, with a particular emphasis on gender parity and language proficiency.
“I reaffirm the OIF’s commitment to supporting peacekeeping reform by advocating for its priorities, working to promote French language training to strengthen the participation of Francophones, including Francophone women, and with a particular focus on the participation of personnel from the Francophone community, including women, echoing the Kigali Declaration on gender equality in the Francophone world, adopted in November 2025.”
Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) – Rwanda
France commended the Kingdom’s pioneering role as a historical pillar of peacekeeping operations worldwide.
“The Kingdom of Morocco is a key player in peacekeeping and a major partner on the African continent. As we celebrate Africa Day in five days, I commend the Kingdom of Morocco’s numerous initiatives and commitments to the stability, development, and prosperity of this continent.”
Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs – France
“Morocco speaks with a unique voice, that of a country that has participated in peacekeeping operations continuously for over 60 years. That of a country that has mobilized more than 100,000 peacekeepers in various peacekeeping missions, that of a country that currently has 1,340 peacekeepers deployed within MINUSCA and MONUSCO. That of a country that has participated in peacekeeping on four continents: Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. And that of a country that has consistently been among the top 10 troop-contributing countries for a long time. And finally, that of a country that has participated in peacekeeping operations with the UN, the EU, and NATO.”
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Morocco
This meeting in Rabat marks a pivotal step towards developing a common understanding of current security challenges and strengthening the effectiveness of the Blue Helmets in Francophone areas.
