Implores Francophone country to suppress resistance (5)

I believe the answer is:

prays

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'implores' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'francophone country to suppress resistance' is the wordplay.
'francophone country' becomes 'pays' (I have seen 'French country' mean 'pays' so perhaps 'country' could also mean 'pays'. I am not sure about the 'francophone' bit.).
'to suppress' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are suppressed or crushed).
'resistance' becomes 'r' (electronics abbreviation).
'pays' enclosing 'r' is 'PRAYS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prays that I've seen before include "Entreats" , "Implores" , "Makes one's devotions" , "Begs" , "Wrestles with God" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.