The opposition to a third term for Louise Mushikiwabo as Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) has gained momentum in the Great Lakes region. The Burundi, a strategic ally of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has joined Kinshasa in opposing her candidacy, reviving tensions between Burundi and Rwanda. This development occurs as heads of state and government gather in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for the 20th Francophonie Summit.
Four candidates are vying for the position of OIF Secretary General: Louise Mushikiwabo, the incumbent Rwandan candidate seeking a third term; Juliana Lumumba, former Congolese minister and daughter of Patrice Emery Lumumba; Dr Coumba Ba, Mauritanian minister and envoy of President Mohamed Ould El-Ghazouani; and Dacian Cioloș, former Romanian Prime Minister. The Burundian Foreign Minister, Édouard Bizimana, stated that imposing candidates in an international organization disregards its members and serves sectarian interests.
Bizimana's comments were in response to reports that the DRC was willing to withdraw Juliana Lumumba's candidacy in favor of Dacian Cioloș. The Burundian minister emphasized that a third term for Louise Mushikiwabo would undermine the OIF. Rwanda swiftly responded, with Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe expressing disappointment in Burundi's stance, which currently holds the African Union presidency.
Nduhungirehe recalled that the African Union's Executive Council, chaired by Bizimana, had approved three African candidacies for the OIF Secretary General position, including Mushikiwabo's. He argued that Burundi's opposition to the Rwandan candidate contradicts the African Union's decisions. The Rwandan minister called for an end to what he termed "institutionalized incompetence" within the African Union.
The Francophonie Summit follows the 48th session of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie, which discussed cooperation priorities, peace, and stability within the organization. The meeting also addressed the admission of Manitoba as an observer to the OIF. The ministers examined several political and cooperation dossiers, as well as draft texts to be submitted to the heads of state and government.
The selection of the OIF Secretary General is set to take place on November 16, 2026, with the four candidates vying for the position. This process occurs amidst intense diplomatic competition, particularly between the DRC and Rwanda, two countries experiencing strained diplomatic relations due to security accusations.
The tensions surrounding the OIF Secretary General election reflect broader regional dynamics. The DRC and Rwanda have been at odds over security issues, including the presence of rebel groups in the DRC's eastern regions. The outcome of the election will likely have implications for the region and the future of the OIF.
Key points
- The Burundi has joined the DRC in opposing a third term for Louise Mushikiwabo as OIF Secretary General, citing concerns it would undermine the organization.
- Four candidates are vying for the OIF Secretary General position: Louise Mushikiwabo, Juliana Lumumba, Dr Coumba Ba, and Dacian Cioloș.
- The election takes place amidst strained diplomatic relations between the DRC and Rwanda.
