The government of Mauritania is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to secure the position of Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) for Dr. Coumba Bâ. With Phnom Penh hosting the decisive meeting, Mauritania is playing a significant diplomatic card. The country's President, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, has taken a personal interest in the matter, setting up a steering committee led by the Prime Minister to oversee the campaign.
Dr. Coumba Bâ faces stiff competition from three other candidates: Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda, the current Secretary General; Juliana Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and Dacian Cioloș of Romania. Each candidate brings unique strengths to the table. Mushikiwabo has experience leading the organization since 2018, while Lumumba has the support of the Congolese authorities. Cioloș has a background in European politics.
The Mauritanian government has been actively promoting Dr. Bâ's candidacy, with the Foreign Ministry mobilizing the country's diplomatic network. Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives have been working to secure support for her bid. Dr. Bâ recently visited Canada to consolidate support and present her program. Her campaign focuses on strengthening dialogue among member states, improving the OIF's effectiveness, and fostering cooperation that benefits local populations.
The election will be decided by 53 states and governments with voting rights. The outcome is far from certain, with each candidate's strengths and weaknesses influencing the vote. Dr. Bâ's experience as a minister and diplomat, as well as her understanding of African and Francophone realities, are seen as key assets. Her program emphasizes building trust, balance, and results within the organization.
A recent government reshuffle in Mauritania has raised questions about the continuity of the campaign. However, the government has stressed that this change will not distract from the importance of the OIF election. The campaign has been conducted in the name of the Mauritanian state, and its success depends on the institutions, diplomacy, and coordination mechanisms already in place.
Dr. Bâ's candidacy is seen as a significant moment for Mauritanian diplomacy, mobilizing political and diplomatic resources and placing the country at the center of an international competition. The outcome will depend on various factors, including the support she receives from member states. Her campaign must continue to build momentum and secure verifiable commitments from partners.
As the vote approaches, Dr. Bâ's team must maintain the dialogue, multiply useful contacts, and consolidate existing engagements. The Mauritanian government remains committed to the campaign, with the President and other officials actively involved in securing support. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of the election.
Key points
- Dr. Coumba Bâ's candidacy for OIF Secretary General has entered a decisive phase.
- The Mauritanian government is actively promoting her bid through diplomatic efforts.
- The election outcome will depend on the support she receives from 53 member states with voting rights.
