Libreville, Gabon — The International Francophonie Day was celebrated in Libreville on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, following its customary date of March 20.
The celebration, organized by the Bureau of the International Organization of La Francophonie for Central Africa and the Indian Ocean (BRAC), gathered representatives from the 11 member countries, the network of Francophone ambassadors, and Roseline Patricia Mboukou Foutou, Secretary-General of the Gabonese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, standing in for the absent Minister.
In her remarks, Foutou highlighted the OIF’s sustained support for Gabon, particularly during the Transition period. The theme for the 2026 event, “Youth Contribution for a More Peaceful World, “emphasized the importance of quality education for young people’s intellectual, moral, and spiritual development.
Alphonse Waguena, the BRAC Director, referred to March 20 as a symbol of the diversity and vitality of Francophonie. He outlined several initiatives in the region, including environmental programs in the Congo Basin, a solidarity fund for women’s economic autonomy, and digital projects aimed at enhancing youth employability.
The gathering also marked the growing economic significance of the Francophonie, with Libreville set to host economic and commercial missions in May, signifying the organization’s expanding role in creating opportunities for young people.
The event concluded with cultural performances and a culinary showcase from the participating countries, celebrating the French language’s rise to the fourth most spoken language globally, with nearly 400 million speakers across 90 states and governments.
Source: Agpgabon
