• Emmanuel Macron says English is the new common language in North Africa.
• But he added that French remains “the universal language of the African continent”.
• He urged the Francophonie to retake its position and asked for it to be “a space of resistance and reconquest”.

During a summit of French-speaking countries in Tunisia, the president of France acknowledged that the use of French is declining in North Africa.

“English is a new common language that people have accepted,” Emmanuel Macron said at the Francophonie meeting. But he added that French remains “the universal language of the African continent”.

The Francophonie organization, which is primarily made up of former French colonies, has come under fire for failing to play a bigger role in diplomacy and crisis management, while the current hosts Tunisia has drawn international ire for the president’s recent attempt to consolidate power.

On Friday, protesters attempting to travel to the island of Djerba, where the meeting is taking place, were met with tear gas by Tunisian police.

This weekend’s talks on economic cooperation and solutions to the Ukraine situation are reportedly being attended by over 30 leaders, including those of the Ivory Coast, Gabon, Rwanda, and Canada.

According to the media, Mr. Macron urged the Francophonie to retake its position and asked for it to be “a space of resistance and reconquest” in a speech to fellow members.

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