Burundi's Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana has publicly criticized Rwanda's candidature for the Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). The next Secretary General of the 90-member strong organisation will be announced soon. Bizimana claimed a third term for Louise Mushikiwabo as secretary-general would undermine the organisation. He denounced an attempt to impose a candidacy on member states, arguing it would serve particular interests rather than the organisation's.
Bizimana's comments reflect Burundi's frosty relations with neighbouring Rwanda. Burundi has maintained strained ties with Rwanda since 2015, accusing it of interference in domestic matters. The country has since signed a military cooperation agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Congolese troops are deployed alongside Burundi forces in a military campaign against the FRN rebels, which they accuse of receiving support from Rwanda.
Rwanda has told the Francophonie that it will not withdraw Louise Mushikiwabo's candidature. Insiders claim French leader Emmanuel Macron urged Rwanda to withdraw Mushikiwabo's candidacy. Attempts to blackmail Rwanda may undermine a fair election to block Mushikiwabo's re-election. A social commentator noted that such actions could harm the organisation's credibility.
The DRC-Rwanda contest in Cambodia may draw attention to the 2025 precedent. Rwanda effectively pulled out of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) after the DRC-led opposition blocked its expected rotating presidency. A social commentator suggested that Kigali may again choose institutional exit over political subordination.
An African Intelligence source claims President Felix Tshisekedi of DRC has instructed Information Minister Patrick Muyaya to prepare a letter announcing the DRC's withdrawal from the organisation if Mushikiwabo is declared the winner. The letter was presented to several African ministers in Phnom Penh to make it clear that the DRC's threat of withdrawal is not just a statement of intent.
The current election may have implications for the Francophonie organisation. The next Secretary General will play a crucial role in shaping the organisation's future. Louise Mushikiwabo's re-election could lead to changes in the organisation's dynamics, particularly if some member states choose to withdraw.
The situation remains uncertain as the announcement of the new Secretary General approaches. The Francophonie organisation's future and Louise Mushikiwabo's candidacy will be closely watched by member states and international observers. The outcome may have significant implications for the organisation's relationships with its member states and its role in promoting French language and culture.
Key points
- Burundi's Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana criticizes Rwanda's Louise Mushikiwabo candidacy for Francophonie Secretary General.
