The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are locked in a heated battle for the leadership of the Francophonie, with Congolese media outlets warning that a Rwandan victory would be a humiliation for the DRC. According to Radio Okapi, the DRC is pushing for Juliana Amato Lumumba as the new leader, while Rwanda is backing Louise Mushikiwabo. The DRC's bid is seen as an attempt to promote a "new Francophonie".
The rivalry between the two countries has significant implications for the Francophonie, with the DRC threatening to withdraw from the organization if its candidate is not chosen. This move would weaken the Francophonie, which counts the DRC as its second-largest member state. Other candidates in the running include Coumba Ba from Mauritania and Dacian Cioloș from Romania. The DRC's concerns are rooted in a UN Security Council resolution condemning Rwanda's support for the M23 rebel group.
The Congolese media is closely following the developments, with several outlets highlighting the importance of the Francophonie leadership race. Infos 27.cd notes that France cannot ignore the principles of the Francophonie in its decision-making, while La Tempête des Tropiques warns that a Rwandan victory would be seen as a snub to the DRC. EcoNews and Congo Nouveau also emphasize the DRC's threat to withdraw from the organization if its candidate is not chosen.
The Francophonie leadership race is not the only significant development in the DRC. The country is also marking a significant milestone in its national memory, with the elevation of new personalities to the rank of national heroes. The National Assembly adopted a resolution on November 6, elevating Étienne Tshisekedi, Kimpa Vita, Simon Kimbangu, Mgr Christophe Munzihirwa, and Mgr Emmanuel Kataliko to this status.
However, the opposition has criticized the move, accusing the ruling party of using the occasion to promote a specific political agenda. Congo Nouveau notes that the elevation of Tshisekedi, a prominent opposition figure, has raised concerns about the role of his son in the decision-making process. The opposition argues that the process was hijacked by the ruling party to consecrate a political affiliation.
Despite these criticisms, some voices are calling for national unity in the face of the country's multidimensional crises. Moïse Moni Della, an actor and politician, has saluted the decision to elevate Tshisekedi to national hero status, while calling for unity and solidarity among all Congolese. Forum des As reports on Della's statement, highlighting the need for the country to come together in the face of adversity.
As the Francophonie leadership race heats up, the DRC and Rwanda are set to face off in a battle that will have significant implications for the organization and the region. The DRC's threat to withdraw from the Francophonie if its candidate is not chosen has raised the stakes, with many watching to see how the situation will unfold. The outcome will likely have far-reaching consequences for the Francophonie and its member states.
Key points
- The DRC is pushing for Juliana Amato Lumumba as the new leader of the Francophonie, while Rwanda is backing Louise Mushikiwabo.
