The diplomatic rivalry between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda is intensifying as both countries push competing candidates for the top position at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), even as fighting continues in eastern Congo.
Friday marks the deadline for nominations for the post of OIF secretary general, a role carrying considerable diplomatic influence within the organisation representing more than 320 million French speakers worldwide.
The leadership contest comes against the backdrop of worsening tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali following the advance of the AFC/M23 rebel movement in eastern Congo earlier this year. Africa Briefing previously examined how the M23 crisis has reshaped regional security and global diplomacy across Central Africa.
Eastern Congo fighting overshadows OIF vote
The AFC/M23 rebels seized the eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025, deepening instability in the mineral-rich region and fuelling accusations from Kinshasa that Rwanda is supporting the insurgency.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied allegations made by Congo, Western governments and United Nations experts that it backs the rebels.
Attempts by the United States, Qatar and the African Union to broker peace have so far failed to halt the fighting. Earlier this year, France backed a United Nations resolution addressing the Rwanda-DRC conflict as international concern mounted over the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Against this tense regional backdrop, Rwanda’s incumbent OIF secretary general, Louise Mushikiwabo, is seeking a third term in office.
She faces a challenge from Congo’s candidate, Juliana Lumumba, daughter of Congo’s independence leader and first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba.
Two additional candidates are also in the running: Mauritanian presidential adviser Coumba Ba and former Romanian prime minister Dacian Cioloș.
Kinshasa pushes Francophone Africa influence
Kinshasa has mounted a major diplomatic campaign in support of Lumumba since her candidacy was announced in February.
The former culture minister has travelled across several African countries and Canada, one of the OIF’s biggest financial contributors, in a bid to rally support ahead of the vote.
Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya told Reuters that Congo’s campaign reflected the growing political and cultural importance of French-speaking Africa.
Congo, with a population estimated at around 100 million people, is widely regarded as the world’s largest French-speaking nation.
The OIF represents nearly one-third of the world’s French speakers, most of whom now live in Africa. French-speaking African countries now form the largest regional bloc within the organisation, giving African states increasing influence over its direction and leadership as geopolitical competition intensifies across the continent.
Muyaya said Kinshasa viewed the election as a multilateral process rather than a bilateral confrontation with Rwanda.
‘For us, this election is not about rivalry between states or bilateral tensions,’ he said. ‘The OIF is a multilateral organisation that goes beyond short-term political disputes.’
Rwanda campaigns on continuity
Mushikiwabo, who previously served as Rwanda’s foreign minister, first won the OIF leadership in 2018 with strong backing from France before securing re-election in 2022.
Kigali has framed her latest campaign as a continuation of efforts to modernise and strengthen the organisation.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe told Reuters that Mushikiwabo’s experience and record made her the strongest candidate for continuity within the OIF.
‘Tensions that may exist between countries should not be exported into an organisation that does not deal with these issues,’ he said.
The contest also reflects broader shifts in Francophone Africa, where traditional alliances are increasingly under strain following military coups and changing foreign policy priorities. Africa Briefing recently explored how France has been reassessing its Africa strategy after political upheavals across the Sahel and West Africa.
Cambodia summit to decide OIF future
The OIF brings together 90 states and governments, including 53 full voting members, alongside associate members and observers.
The organisation focuses on promoting the French language, cultural cooperation, education, democracy and economic development across the Francophone world.
Delegates are expected to elect the next secretary general during the OIF summit scheduled for November 15 to 16 in Phnom Penh.
The outcome of the vote is expected to be closely watched across Africa and the wider Francophone community as regional political tensions continue to shape diplomatic alliances and influence within multilateral organisations.
