The annual "Francophonie" summit kicks off on Friday – an opportunity for host-country France to try and bolster its influence in a conflict-ridden world, particularly in Africa. Chad President Mahamat Idriss Deby, an ally of France and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are among the prominent guests.
Dozens of leaders of French-speaking countries gather on Friday and Saturday for the "Francophonie" summit – the first time the event has been held in France for 33 years.