Cotonou assembly marks a turning point as francophone civil society sets 2026-2028 course for peace
A decisive gathering opens in Benin
The 16th ordinary plenary assembly of the Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations (COING) of La Francophonie opened on 28 September 2026 in Cotonou. Over two days, actors from francophone civil society are meeting to shape their contribution ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled for 15 and 16 November in Cambodia, and to set the 2026-2028 roadmap.
Peace beyond the absence of war
Under the theme “Reinvesting in peace, mobilising francophone civil society for shared prosperity, resilient territories and lasting stability,” the meeting stresses that peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It requires social justice, access to basic services, mediation, the defence of human rights and resilience in the face of economic and security crises.
Stronger citizen participation
Participants are calling for close cooperation between states, parliamentarians and NGOs. Working closest to the ground, citizens’ organisations want a greater role in the decision-making processes of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) so that local recommendations can be turned into concrete public policies.
A pragmatic 2026-2028 roadmap
The Cotonou assembly aims to build a more operational COING. Its priorities focus on:
- Consolidating networks: structuring synergies between francophone NGOs.
- Mobilising resources: developing strategic financial and technical partnerships.
- Monitoring impact: concretely measuring the effects of actions within communities.
Benin reaffirms its key role
By hosting this session, Benin reaffirms its key role in francophone dialogue. Just weeks before the Cambodia meeting, civil society gathered in Cotonou is sending a clear message: the future of La Francophonie cannot be built without the active involvement of citizens and their representatives.