The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced its withdrawal from the race to lead the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), dropping the candidacy of Juliana Amato Lumumba and throwing its support behind Dacian Cioloș, a former Prime Minister of Romania.
In a statement released by the DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 14, 2026, the government said the decision was intended to help OIF member states reach a consensus on a single candidate capable of bringing the organisation’s members together.
The Congolese government thanked Juliana Amato Lumumba for her contribution to the process, stressing that withdrawing her candidacy did not reflect any doubts about her abilities, experience or commitment to advocating for reforms within the OIF.
The ministry explained that the decision came amid growing tensions in the process of selecting the organisation’s next Secretary-General. Kinshasa therefore chose to contribute to finding a consensus-based solution aimed at protecting the unity and values of the OIF.
Following discussions with Romania, the DRC agreed to support Dacian Cioloș, who was nominated by the European country, in an effort to build broader consensus among OIF member states.
However, Kinshasa maintained that reaching an agreement on a candidate should not be the responsibility of just one country, arguing that all parties competing for the position should contribute to finding a common solution.
The decision comes amid diplomatic tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa over the OIF leadership race, particularly after Rwanda endorsed Louise Mushikiwabo’s bid for a third term at the helm of the organisation.
It also follows a report by Jeune Afrique alleging that French President Emmanuel Macron had asked Rwandan President Paul Kagame to withdraw Mushikiwabo’s candidacy to prevent the DRC from leaving the organisation. Rwanda rejected the proposal.
On November 11, 2026, DRC Government Spokesperson and Minister of Communication and Media Patrick Muyaya told Radio France Internationale (RFI) that re-electing Mushikiwabo would be inconsistent with his country’s principles, including cooperation among nations, respect for national sovereignty and democracy.
The election scheduled for November 16, 2026, will determine who leads the organisation for the 2027–2030 term. Three candidates remain in the race: Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo, Dr Coumba Bâ of Mauritania and Romania’s Dacian Julien Cioloș.
