Congo Considers Leaving Francophonie as Mushikiwabo Seeks Third Term

The Republic of Congo has hinted at a possible withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) if Louise Mushikiwabo, a Rwandan national, is re-elected as its secretary-general for a third term. According to a report by Jeune Afrique, the Congolese government is considering this move amid concerns over Mushikiwabo's leadership. The OIF comprises 84 countries that use French as an official language.

Mushikiwabo, who has been leading the OIF since January 2019, is seeking a third term that would last four years. The Rwandan government has expressed its support for her candidacy, citing her efforts to reform the organization and enhance its effectiveness. Rwanda has been actively lobbying for Mushikiwabo's re-election, engaging with other member states to garner support.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has the largest French-speaking population, is backing Juliana Amato Lumumba, a Congolese national and daughter of Patrice Emery Lumumba, the country's first prime minister. The DRC has been actively campaigning for Lumumba's candidacy, seeking support from other member states. This development has sparked concerns that the DRC's move may be motivated by its strained relations with Rwanda.

The OIF's secretary-general is elected by the organization's member states, with the election scheduled for November 16, 2026, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Four candidates are vying for the post: Mushikiwabo, Lumumba, Coumba Bâ of Mauritania, and Dacian Cioloș, a former Romanian prime minister. The election process has raised concerns about the voting mechanism, with some member states questioning how the winner will be determined.

The OIF's rules state that the secretary-general is elected by consensus, but if no consensus is reached, the election will proceed by vote, with the candidate receiving the most votes winning. However, some member states, including the DRC, have expressed concerns about this process, seeking clarification on the voting mechanism. This issue was discussed during a meeting of the OIF's Permanent Council in Paris on October 13, 2026.

Alassane Ndiaye, the OIF's assistant secretary-general, has explained that the organization's rules do not require a candidate to receive a majority of votes to win. Instead, the candidate with the most votes will be declared the winner. This explanation has not alleviated concerns, particularly in the DRC, which is worried about the implications of Mushikiwabo's re-election.

The DRC's concerns about Mushikiwabo's leadership have been echoed by some member states, which question whether her re-election would be in the best interests of the organization. France has been engaged in talks with the DRC, seeking to persuade Kinshasa not to withdraw from the OIF. Mushikiwabo has stated that her loyalty lies with the OIF and its member states, not with any individual country.

Key points

• The Republic of Congo may exit the OIF if Louise Mushikiwabo is re-elected as secretary-general for a third term.
• The DRC is backing Juliana Amato Lumumba for the post, citing concerns over Mushikiwabo's leadership.
• The OIF's election process has raised concerns about the voting mechanism and the organization's future direction.