The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) is approaching a critical juncture as it prepares to elect its next Secretary General on November 15 and 16, 2026, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This leadership transition will define the direction of the organization for the next four years.
Behind the scenes in Paris, a quiet campaign is being orchestrated to position Dacian Julien Ciolos, the former Prime Minister of Romania, as the successor to the current Secretary General, Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda. This maneuver suggests a complex double game being played by the French administration.
A diplomatic facade in Paris
While France displays a facade of cordiality toward the candidate from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Juliana Amato Lumumba, evidence suggests that French influence is being used to lobby for Ciolos. This effort is particularly active within traditional Francophone circles in Africa and across the international stage.
Some suggest that France is attempting to introduce a third personality to resolve the competition between the Rwandan incumbent and the Congolese challenger. However, this strategy is highly questionable. The Democratic Republic of Congo cannot be placed on equal footing with Rwanda, a nation that has already held the leadership for two terms and has notably distanced itself from the French language in its national policy.
The Democratic Republic of Congo: The heart of Francophonie
With a population of 100 million French speakers, a vast network of universities, and a dynamic media landscape, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the undeniable demographic and cultural center of the Francophone world. If France refuses to acknowledge these assets and continues to sideline the DRC, the government in Kinshasa must be prepared to take a firm stand and reevaluate its diplomatic ties.
As the primary Francophone nation globally, the DRC is entitled to a level of respect and support that matches its significant contribution to the organization. The leadership of the OIF is not a mere ceremonial role; it is a strategic position that impacts the diplomatic equilibrium between member states in Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Managing an organization of 90 member states requires an experienced, unifying, and highly motivated leader. Juliana Amato Lumumba, a former Minister of Culture and Arts, perfectly embodies these qualities. The time has come for the DRC to demand its rightful place at the head of this cultural and political space.
