Rwanda Challenges DRC’s Francophonie Endorsement of Romanian

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has formally challenged the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) decision to support a Romanian contender for the Secretary-General position at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). According to KT Press, Nduhungirehe stated that Kinshasa’s choice to back Dacian Cioloș contradicts a collective African Union resolution designed to keep the organization’s top leadership within African hands. The dispute emerged following the 48th Francophonie Ministerial Conference held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 14.

The DRC government announced the withdrawal of its own candidate, Juliana Amato Lumumba, from the race. In a statement released on the same day as the conference, Kinshasa explained that this withdrawal was intended to foster consensus among member states and preserve unity within the organization. The Congolese government praised Lumumba’s qualifications but insisted the move was strategic rather than a reflection on her abilities. Subsequently, the DRC declared it would support Cioloș, arguing that this joint position with Romania would help bring divided member states together around a single candidate.

Nduhungirehe welcomed Lumumba’s withdrawal, noting it could facilitate consensus for Rwanda’s incumbent Secretary-General, Louise Mushikiwabo, who is seeking re-election. He suggested the move weakened arguments that the Francophonie risked becoming a battleground for political confrontation between Rwanda and the DRC. However, the Rwandan minister sharply criticized the decision to endorse Cioloș over remaining African contenders. He argued that this choice undermines the collective stance adopted by African governments and goes against the spirit of continental solidarity.

The conflict centers on an African Union resolution adopted in Addis Ababa from July 28 to 29, 2026. This resolution, identified as EX.CL/Dec.1361(XLIX), endorsed three African candidates for the leadership role: Mushikiwabo, Lumumba, and Mauritania’s Coumba Bâ. The AU called on the 27 African member states of the Francophonie to agree on one candidate to ensure the position remains in African hands. With Lumumba out of the race, Nduhungirehe contended that the DRC’s support for a non-African candidate directly violates this mandate. He urged African Union member states, currently under the chairmanship of Burundi, to take note of this development and uphold the collective African position.