The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to play a significant role in the upcoming election of the next secretary general of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. With nearly 59 million French-speaking citizens, the country is poised to influence the outcome of the election, which will take place on November 16, 2026, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Four candidates are vying for the position, including incumbent Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda and Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The election is taking place against a backdrop of tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, with the latter accused of supporting a rebellion in the eastern part of the country led by former Congolese President Joseph Kabila. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has expressed opposition to a potential second term for Louise Mushikiwabo. According to reports, the country has informed Paris that it may consider leaving the organization if Mushikiwabo is re-elected.
A Facebook post circulating on social media claims that the Democratic Republic of the Congo has decided to withdraw from the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie if Juliana Amato Lumumba does not win the election. The post states that the decision was made during a recent Council of Ministers meeting led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. However, a review of the minutes of the 102nd ordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers, held on November 6, 2026, did not reveal any discussion on the topic.
The minutes of the Council of Ministers meeting, published by the Prime Minister's office, covered five main agenda items, including a communication from the Prime Minister, information points, approval of Council of Ministers' decisions, examination and adoption of a file, and examination and adoption of texts. The Prime Minister discussed her mission to Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's exit from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force, and the retirement of ONATRA agents.
Further research revealed that the claim of a withdrawal threat may have originated from a news article published by Jeune Afrique on November 7, 2026. The article, titled "OIF: how France is maneuvering to avoid a withdrawal of the DRC," reports that Kinshasa is threatening to leave the organization if Louise Mushikiwabo is re-elected as secretary general.
The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie is set to hold its 20th summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where the election of the next secretary general will take place. The organization's membership includes countries with French as an official language or significant French-speaking populations. The Democratic Republic of the Congo's potential withdrawal would be a significant development, given its large French-speaking population.
The election outcome will be closely watched by member states and observers, given the geopolitical implications of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie's activities. The organization's secretary general plays a key role in promoting French language and culture, as well as cooperation among member states. The Democratic Republic of the Congo's stance on the election highlights the country's growing influence in regional and international affairs.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo may withdraw from the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie if Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda is re-elected as secretary general.
