The Haitian-born Canadian Michaelle Jean, first woman and first non African at the head of the International Organization of Francophone states (OIF), has officially been installed Monday as general secretary, announced the OIF. The ceremony took place at the OIF headquarters in Paris, where her predecessor Abdou Diouf officially stepped down after more than 10 years.

Michael Jean was appointed last November as general secretary by the head of states and of government of the OIF members during the 15th Francophone summit which took place in Dakar (Senegal), for a 4 years term.

Governor General of Canada and Commander in Chief of its army from 2005 to 2010, Michael Jean was also the UN special envoy to Haiti for the past four years.