France, Nov. 14 -- Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh is decked out in the colours of the French-speaking world as it prepares to welcome the 20th Francophonie summit on 15 and 16 November.

Hun Sen Boulevard, named after the country's former prime minister and current president of the Senate, is awash with banners in French and Khmer proclaiming this year's theme: "Reinvest in peace for shared prosperity and lasting stability".

The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) brings together 53 French-speaking states to promote the French language, as well as cooperation, democracy and cultural exchange.

However, rather than discussing the future of an organisation weakened by divisions in international co-operation and financial dif...