Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has said that the race for the leadership of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) should not be framed as a rivalry between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, stressing that the organisation is not a platform for resolving bilateral disputes.
Speaking in an interview with B&B, Nduhungirehe said the contest for the OIF Secretary-General position should be viewed as a multilateral process involving several candidates from different countries, rather than a reflection of political tensions between states.
He was responding to questions about the re-election bid of outgoing Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo.
The minister noted that during the 46th Conference of Francophonie Foreign Ministers held in Kigali, several member states expressed support for Mushikiwabo’s candidacy for a second term, citing her leadership over the past eight years.
According to him, the endorsement was based on her role in strengthening institutional reforms within the organisation and reshaping its governance approach.
He said Mushikiwabo introduced a more competitive selection process, replacing what he described as a consensus-driven system with one in which candidates present their vision and the most suitable wins.
Nduhungirehe also highlighted what he described as key achievements under her leadership, including the expansion of development programmes in areas such as economic empowerment, culture, technology, and support for women and youth.
He said the organisation has implemented around 20 major programmes and more than 300 smaller initiatives benefiting millions of people across member states.
“There is a lot she has achieved, and member states recognise it. Now there is competition, and her chances are strong,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that the nomination of a candidate by the Democratic Republic of Congo reflects strained bilateral relations with Rwanda, insisting the election should not be interpreted through a political lens.
The candidates for the post include Rwanda’s nominee Louise Mushikiwabo, Juliana Amato Lumumba of the DRC, Dr. Coumba Ba of Mauritania, and Dacian Cioloș of Romania.
“Francophonie brings together countries across five continents. Its role is to promote cooperation and development, not to serve as a platform for settling disputes between two countries,” he said.
He added that all candidates are expected to meet in Paris during a ministerial session where they will present their visions and be evaluated ahead of the voting process.
Mushikiwabo was first elected Secretary-General of the OIF in Yerevan, Armenia, and was re-elected by consensus in Djerba, Tunisia.
