Ignazio Cassis travels to East Africa to attend Francophonie conference and strengthen relations with Rwanda

The 46^th session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference, which concluded this Thursday, was held under the theme ‘Thirty years after the Beijing Conference: the contribution of women in the French-speaking world’. It provided an opportunity to take stock of the advances made and the progress still to be achieved in the field of gender equality. Federal Councillor Cassis highlighted the challenges facing the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), which brings together 90 countries. In a polarised world marked by mistrust, La Francophonie must become a space of trust and cooperation that encourages linguistic diversity and solidarity. To achieve this, the organisation must remain effective and useful.

The meeting was also an opportunity to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia, Sokhonn Prak, whose country is taking over the presidency of La Francophonie, and Senegal, Cheikh Niang, as well as France's Minister Delegate and envoy for La Francophonie, Éléonore Caroit.

Further development of relations with Rwanda

In Kigali, discussions between the head of the FDFA and the Rwandan authorities focused on deepening bilateral ties. Mr Cassis paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva and met with Olivier Nduhungirehe, the minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation. Mr Cassis paid tribute to the two countries' close friendship and noted the dynamic development of Rwanda, which is increasingly asserting itself as a regional hub in the fields of finance and digitalisation. The regional context was also discussed in detail, in particular the conflict in the east of the DRC and ongoing peace efforts.

In the presence of the Rwandan authorities, Mr Cassis presided over a ceremony to inaugurate the new Swiss embassy in Kigali, a symbol of the deepening of bilateral relations. Until now, Switzerland has been represented in Rwanda through its cooperation office. The country is one of Switzerland's longest-standing international cooperation partners. The strengthening of Switzerland's diplomatic presence in Rwanda is in line with the country's growing political and economic importance. It also takes account of regional development and strengthens Switzerland's political profile in promoting peace and stability in the region.

Switzerland's new Africa strategy

Switzerland's activities in the region are based on its Africa Strategy 2025–28, which focuses on managing armed conflicts and protecting particularly vulnerable population groups in Central and East Africa. In addition to reinforcing democracy and the rule of law, Switzerland's priorities in the region include the continuing diversification of relations in fields such as business, science and digitalisation.

Remembrance and reconciliation

Earlier in the day, Mr Cassis paid his respects at the 1994 genocide memorial in Kigali. This poignant visit, dedicated to honouring the memory and dignity of the victims, provided an opportunity to reiterate the need to learn the lessons of this tragedy and to support efforts towards reconciliation and the prevention of further violence.

Mr Cassis was accompanied by a parliamentary delegation comprising member of the National Council Piero Marchesi (SVP/TI) and member of the Council of States Petra Gössi (FDP/SZ), both of whom are members of the foreign affairs committees. This trip to Africa continues with a visit to the DRC on Friday 21 November. Mr Cassis' discussions with the DRC authorities will focus on the conflict in the east of the country and Switzerland's efforts to promote peace, stability and development in the region.

• 46th Francophonie Ministerial Conference (fr)
• Switzerland in the International Organisation of La Francophonie
• Bilateral relations Switzerland–Rwanda
• Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis: Inauguration of the Swiss Embassy in Rwanda
• Switzerland's Africa Strategy 2025–28