Formally known as the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF),it comprises fifty-five member states and governments and thirteen observers. In addition to referring to the international organization, Francophonie may also be used to reference the worldwide community of those people whose native language or second language is French.

The primary mission of the organization is the promotion of the French language as an international language and the promotion of worldwide cultural and linguistic diversity. The Francophonie has also in its stated aims the promotion of democracy and human rights.

Par "ensemble", j'entendais, j'entends toujours : entre nations qui emploient le français comme langue nationale, langue officielle ou langue de culture.

Léopold Sédar Senghor, 1981

Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie

Name

Abdou Diouf

Position

Secretary-General of OIF since 2003

Background

Second president of Senegal, serving from 1981 to 2000.