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The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are locked in a major diplomatic confrontation over the top leadership position at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), submitting rival candidatures as violent conflict continues to ravage eastern Congo.
The high-stakes race for the secretary-general position, which carries a broad mandate over global education, human rights, and economic cooperation, comes to a head as the deadline for submissions closes.
This diplomatic battleground unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing military clashes between Congolese forces and the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebel coalition, which captured the strategic eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu last year despite failed mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and the African Union.
The leadership contest features a direct face-off between the two neighbouring nations, alongside candidates from Mauritania and Romania.
Incumbent Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda is actively pursuing a third term in office but faces a formidable challenge from Congo’s nominee, Juliana Lumumba.
Lumumba, a former culture minister and daughter of the DRC’s iconic independence leader Patrice Lumumba, has embarked on an extensive international campaign spanning multiple African nations and Canada to secure vital backing for her historic bid.
Kinshasa has mobilised its full diplomatic machinery to support Lumumba, emphasising its legitimate claim as the world’s most populous French-speaking nation with roughly 100 million citizens.
While the political undercurrents remain highly charged due to regional insecurity, Congolese officials have publicly framed their campaign in a constructive, pan-African spirit.
They maintain that the election should transcend immediate bilateral tensions and focus instead on the expanding demographic and cultural prominence of French-speaking Africa within the 90-member multilateral institution.
