Rwanda and DRC tensions cloud Francophonie leadership race

Francophonie summit opens in Phnom Penh

Cambodia's capital hosts the twentieth Francophonie summit on fifteen and sixteen November. The International Organisation of La Francophonie brings together fifty-three French-speaking states to promote the French language, cooperation, democracy and cultural exchange.

New voting rules could decide the race

Rules adopted at the two thousand twenty-two summit in Djerba, Tunisia allow a vote if no consensus is reached.In that case, the fifty-three member states would elect the new chief by simple majority.

Four candidates compete for leadership

Rwanda's Louise Mushikiwabo seeks a third term, defending her record of modernising the organisation and focusing on digital technology, women's entrepreneurship and youth training.

Two more candidates in the running

Mauritania's Coumba Bâ, a doctor and former government minister, presents herself as a unifying candidate capable of offering an African compromise.

DRC threatens to leave the organisation

The DRC, which accuses Rwanda of supporting M twenty-three rebels, is working to prevent Mushikiwabo's re-election.It has reportedly threatened to leave the organisation if Mushikiwabo wins another term.

“If the choice made in Phnom Penh does not reflect the values we stand for, there will be consequences.”

Withdrawal could destroy the organisation

The DRC could announce its withdrawal from the organisation as soon as the closed-door meeting ends on sixteen November, or in the days that follow.

“If the DRC, the leading French-speaking country with fifty-seven million speakers, withdraws from the organisation, that will be the end of the OIF.”

Mushikiwabo faces criticism on her record

At OIF headquarters in Paris, some have accused Mushikiwabo of failing to act over Russia's invasion of Ukraine in two thousand twenty-two and the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the OIF in…

Management style draws concern

An official inside the organisation described Mushikiwabo's level of activism as troubling.Another criticism concerns her top-down management style.

“Making the OIF serve Paul Kagame's interests requires a heavy-handed approach and bringing the organisation into line.”

Cioloș could benefit from tensions

The criticism of the incumbent, combined with tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa, could benefit Romania's Dacian Cioloș.The DRC has not ruled out supporting him if its own candidate is sidelined.