Rwandan Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe has responded to a Congolese journalist, Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, who claimed that Rwanda wants an election for the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF) Secretary-General, while France prefers a consensus. Nduhungirehe emphasized that the organization's rules are clear and will be followed. The OIF is set to hold its 20th summit, where the leadership selection process will be discussed.
Bujakera Tshiamala wrote on social media that Rwanda supports an elective process for the OIF Secretary-General position, while France prefers a consensus on the Romanian candidate. He also mentioned that Rwanda is confident that current Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo will be re-elected. Mushikiwabo has been leading the OIF since 2019 and is seeking re-election. Her potential opponent includes Juliana Amato Lumumba from the Congo.
In response to Bujakera's claims, Nduhungirehe stated that the journalist lacks a clear understanding of the OIF's functioning. He emphasized that the organization operates based on its rules and regulations, not on emotions or individual preferences. The OIF's rules, approved by the Ministerial Council on March 22, 2022, outline the process for selecting the Secretary-General.
According to Nduhungirehe, the OIF's rules state that the Secretary-General is elected through a vote by the Council of Heads of State and Government, either by consensus or by election if consensus is not reached. The rules also specify that the winner is the candidate with the most votes from member states participating in the council. Nduhungirehe stressed that these rules must be followed.
The OIF's 20th summit is approaching, where the leadership selection process will be a key topic of discussion. The summit will bring together heads of state and government from member countries to make a decision on the organization's leadership. The selection process has sparked a debate between Rwanda and France, with Rwanda supporting an elective process and France preferring a consensus.
Louise Mushikiwabo's potential re-election as OIF Secretary-General has garnered attention, with some member states expressing their support for her continued leadership. Her opponent, Juliana Amato Lumumba, has also been gaining traction. The election process will determine who will lead the OIF in the coming years.
The disagreement between Rwanda and France on the OIF leadership selection process highlights the complexities of international organizations and their decision-making processes. The OIF's rules and regulations will ultimately guide the selection of its next Secretary-General.
Key points
- The OIF's rules and regulations will guide the selection of its next Secretary-General.
- Rwanda supports an elective process for the OIF Secretary-General position.
- France prefers a consensus on the Romanian candidate for the OIF Secretary-General position.
