Michaëlle Jean Named Francophonie Secretary-General

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Former governor-general, 57-year-old Michaëlle Jean, was named as the new head of la Francophonie at the conclusion of the 15th Francophonie Summit in Dakar, Senegal, on Sunday. Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, was also present at the time to praise the decision while promoting his African out-reach agenda of maternal and child health.

Jean had actively campaigned for the post of secretary general with support of the Canadian government. She will be replacing Abdou Diouf, who held the post for 10 years. Jean announced at the occasion that she intends to help la Francophonie gain “new relevance” with a focus on issues like women’s emancipation and children’s rights, along with promotion of democracy and economic betterment. La Francophonie is 57-member organization, including Canada and the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, which recently received criticism by some African members regarding how it is allegedly dominated by non-African countries such as France. Jean mentioned that “one of the most ambitious and daring objectives that la Francophonie has ever set for itself is the idea of an economic Francophonie,” adding that “we need to work together, unite our efforts, especially as countries want growth, prosperity and development.”

Jean’s appointment was applauded by several federal and provincial government officials due to their support. Mr. Harper stated that “I am especially pleased that … la Francophonie has elected a Canadian woman as its head,” adding that “Ms. Jean is the ideal person to promote French and the values of the organization. She will embody the renewal and modernity that la Francophonie of the 21st century needs.”

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