Former DRC Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula has defended the government's decision to conditionally withdraw Juliana Lumumba's candidacy for the post of secretary-general of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). He emphasized that the move was not a sign of weakness, but rather a responsible diplomatic decision. Lutundula stated that the proposal to withdraw Lumumba's candidacy was made at the request of French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to Lutundula, the decision was made to preserve the balance within the Francophone community, as the selection of the next OIF secretary-general takes place in a context of strong diplomatic rivalries. He stressed that Kinshasa chose not to be inflexible, prioritizing the collective interests of the organization. The goal is to preserve the unity and influence of the Francophonie, beyond the divergences caused by different candidatures.
Lutundula confirmed that the DRC has withdrawn Juliana Amato Lumumba's candidacy and is now supporting the Romanian candidate, Dacian Cioloș. He described the move as an "apaisement," but not a weakness. Lutundula emphasized that the decision was made to prioritize the interests of the Francophonie and not to create unnecessary tensions.
The former foreign minister expressed agreement with the statement made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on this issue, reaffirming the coherence of the position defended by the Congolese authorities. This statement comes as the withdrawal of Juliana Lumumba's candidacy and Kinshasa's diplomatic repositioning in the OIF leadership race fuel debate on the DRC's strategic choices.
Lutundula argued that seeking a compromise should not be interpreted as a renunciation, but rather as a diplomatic option aimed at preserving the interests of the Francophonie. He emphasized that the DRC is not weak and has no weakness, rejecting any interpretation that would assimilate this initiative to a diplomatic retreat.
The DRC's decision to conditionally withdraw Lumumba's candidacy has sparked discussion on the country's diplomatic strategy. Lutundula's statements aim to clarify the government's position and reassure that the move was made in the best interests of the Francophonie. The OIF leadership race has been marked by strong rivalries, and the DRC's decision is seen as a significant development in the process.
The withdrawal of Juliana Lumumba's candidacy and the DRC's support for Dacian Cioloș have been seen as a significant shift in the OIF leadership race. Lutundula's defense of the decision highlights the complexities of diplomatic negotiations and the need for compromise in international relations. The move is expected to have implications for the Francophonie and the DRC's relationships with other member states.
Key points
- DRC's conditional withdrawal of Juliana Lumumba's candidacy for OIF secretary-general not a sign of weakness.
