The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are heading for a diplomatic showdown over the leadership of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), with both countries backing rival candidates as conflict persists in eastern Congo.
Friday marks the deadline for submissions for the post of secretary-general of the OIF, an organisation representing more than 320 million French speakers across 90 states and governments.
The contest comes against the backdrop of ongoing fighting between Congolese forces and the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels, who captured the eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025. Rwanda continues to deny accusations by Kinshasa, Western governments and U.N. experts that it supports the insurgents.
Efforts by the United States, Qatar and the African Union to mediate the conflict have so far failed to secure a lasting ceasefire.
The OIF secretary-general position carries significant diplomatic influence, overseeing issues including education, cultural policy, human rights and economic cooperation.
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Incumbent secretary-general Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda is seeking a third term in office. She faces a challenge from Congo’s Juliana Lumumba, a former culture minister and daughter of independence leader and first prime minister Patrice Lumumba.
Mauritania’s presidential adviser Coumba Ba and former Romanian prime minister Dacian Cioloș are also contesting the position.
Kinshasa has mounted a strong diplomatic push behind Lumumba’s candidacy since announcing her bid in February. She has since toured several African countries as well as Canada, the OIF’s second-largest financial contributor.
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Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said the campaign was being pursued “in a positive and constructive spirit”, highlighting the growing demographic and cultural influence of French-speaking Africa.
“With a population of around 100 million people, Congo is today the world’s largest French-speaking country,” Muyaya said.
“For us, this election is not about rivalry between states or bilateral tensions. The OIF is a multilateral organisation that goes beyond short-term political disputes.”
Mushikiwabo, a former Rwandan foreign minister first elected in 2018 with backing from France and re-elected in 2022, has presented her campaign as one focused on continuity and reform.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said her candidacy was based on her efforts to modernise and strengthen the organisation.
“Tensions that may exist between countries should not be exported into an organisation that does not deal with these issues,” he said.
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The OIF has 53 full members with voting rights, five associate members and 32 observer states. Delegates are expected to elect the organisation’s next secretary-general at a summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, scheduled for November 15-16.
