The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has formally requested Togo’s support for its candidate in the upcoming election for Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), ahead of the vote scheduled for November.
The request was made on Wednesday, April 8, to Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, by Crispin Mbadu Phanzu, Congo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie.
Kinshasa is promoting Juliana Amato Lumumba as its candidate to succeed the current Secretary-General, in a contest against Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo, who is seeking a second term. Mbadu Phanzu underscored the longstanding diplomatic and cultural ties between the DRC and Togo as a rationale for securing Togo’s endorsement. “We are therefore seeking the support of Togo, a close partner with which we have longstanding ties,” he said.
Candidate profiles and vision
Juliana Amato Lumumba, part of the delegation to Lomé, presented her vision for a more inclusive Francophonie, emphasising greater engagement with civil society, youth initiatives, and development projects across member states. She outlined key priorities for the organisation, including strengthening the influence of Francophone countries in global affairs, promoting economic cooperation, and advancing cultural and educational programs.
Her rival, Louise Mushikiwabo, the current Secretary-General and former Rwandan foreign minister, has overseen initiatives to expand Francophone influence globally, including partnerships with international institutions and efforts to modernise the organisation’s operational framework. The contest between the two candidates is widely seen as reflecting broader regional and geopolitical alignments within the Francophone community.
Election process and regional stakes
The OIF Secretary-General is elected by heads of state and government from member countries for a four-year term. The November vote is expected to be closely contested, with diplomatic lobbying underway across Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Togo’s support is considered strategic, as West African nations collectively hold significant sway in bloc voting.
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Observers note that the race is not only about leadership of the OIF, which promotes the French language and Francophone culture, but also about influence over development priorities and diplomatic representation in international forums. Winning the position provides the successful candidate’s country with greater visibility in global Francophone affairs, including trade, education, and cultural diplomacy.
Historical context
Past OIF leadership elections have often involved extensive diplomatic negotiation, with candidates building coalitions across Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. The position has been traditionally rotated among African, European, and Caribbean member states, reflecting the organisation’s global composition. The current contest pits two African candidates against each other, signalling a competitive intra-regional dynamic.
The DRC’s lobbying of Togo follows similar efforts in the region, where support from smaller member states can prove decisive in tightly contested votes. Analysts say Juliana Amato Lumumba’s campaign highlights a focus on inclusivity and development-driven leadership, positioning the DRC as a key voice in the Francophone world.
Outlook
With the vote less than seven months away, diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify. Both candidates are likely to engage in a series of bilateral consultations with member states to secure commitments ahead of the November election. The outcome will shape the organisation’s leadership agenda and influence Francophone diplomacy for the next four years.
