Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo has reaffirmed her candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). Her announcement comes amid reports that French President Emmanuel Macron had requested Rwandan President Paul Kagame to withdraw Mushikiwabo's candidacy. The move was allegedly aimed at preventing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from leaving the organization.
According to reports, Macron wrote to Kagame on November 12-13, requesting that Rwanda withdraw Mushikiwabo's candidacy. The letter reportedly suggested that DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, along with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, had agreed to withdraw their respective candidates, Juliana Amato Lumumba and Coumba Ba. This was allegedly done to pave the way for a consensus candidate, Dacian Cioloș, former Prime Minister of Romania.
The OIF is set to hold elections for the position of Secretary-General on November 16, 2026. The process will be different from previous elections, with each country having one vote for its preferred candidate. This change in procedure comes as a significant development, given that previously, a consensus candidate was often agreed upon by member states.
Mushikiwabo expressed her determination to see the election process through as planned. In a statement on November 13, she emphasized her commitment to the elections, showing no signs of withdrawing her candidacy. Her stance comes in contrast to reports suggesting that France and other member states were working to prevent a potential exit of the DRC from the OIF.
The DRC, with the largest Francophone population in the world, plays a significant role in the OIF. Its potential exit would have far-reaching implications for the organization. French Ambassador to Rwanda, Adelin Royer, stated that France and other member states would work to prevent the DRC's departure. He emphasized the importance of the DRC's membership, given its status as a key Francophone nation.
Mushikiwabo expressed her surprise at the DRC's decision to potentially leave the OIF over the election. She described the DRC's stance as unexpected and not in line with the country's stature within the organization. The Rwandan Foreign Minister's comments highlight the tensions surrounding the upcoming OIF elections and the geopolitical dynamics at play.
The OIF elections are set to take place against a backdrop of diplomatic maneuvering. With multiple candidates vying for the position, the outcome remains uncertain. As member states prepare to cast their votes, the international community watches closely, aware of the implications of the election results for the future of the OIF and its member states.
Key points
- Louise Mushikiwabo remains a candidate for the OIF Secretary-General position despite reports of pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron to withdraw her candidacy.
