Dacian Cioloș secures backing from Congo ahead of the Francophonie vote in Phnom Penh
Dacian Cioloș thanked the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday for its support of his candidacy to lead the International Organisation of the Francophonie, hotnews.ro reported. The endorsement arrives just ahead of a leadership vote in Phnom Penh that has triggered sharp diplomatic friction with Rwanda.
“Adresez mulțumirile mele Republicii Democratice Congo pentru încrederea acordată viziunii mele politice privind viitorul Francofoniei,” Cioloș said, according to AGERPRES. The former Romanian prime minister and European commissioner added that the organization must move beyond competition to build a consensus-driven future.
The Democratic Republic of Congo announced Saturday that it was prepared to withdraw its own candidate, Juliana Amato Lumumba, to foster consensus among member states, according to hotnews.ro. Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner made the announcement during a ministerial meeting ahead of the summit.
Rwanda rejects French pressure
Despite the move by Congo, Rwanda confirmed it will maintain the candidacy of incumbent leader Louise Mushikiwabo for a third term, hotnews.ro reported. French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly sent a letter to Rwandan President Paul Kagame asking for the withdrawal of the Rwandan candidate to help secure a consensus.
“Nu vom dezvălui conținutul acesteia, bet scrisoarea a fost primită,” said Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, as noted by hotnews.ro. Nduhungirehe rejected outside pressure, stating that Rwanda operates as a sovereign state with clear rules adopted in 2022 that allow for a simple majority vote if consensus fails.
The government in Kinshasa, representing the second-largest Francophone nation globally with 57.3 million speakers, threatened to leave the organization if the Rwandan candidate is reelected, citing accusations that Kigali supports the M23 armed group, hotnews.ro reported.
Romania seeks support in Cambodia
President Nicușor Dan arrived in Cambodia to attend the 20th Francophonie summit, where Romania’s primary objective is rallying support for the candidacy of Cioloș for the 2027–2030 term, Digi24 reported. Cioloș was appointed as a presidential adviser by Dan in April 2026.
Neither France, which provides 36% of the budget, nor Canada, which provides 25%, has publicly stated a preference among the candidates, according to hotnews.ro. Alongside Cioloș and Mushikiwabo, former Mauritanian minister Coumba Ba remains in the running, as noted by France Presse.
Decisions regarding the next Secretary-General will be adopted by the leaders of the 53 full member states during sessions on November 16, 2026, Digi24 reported.
Questions regarding the leadership election in Phnom Penh
Who are the remaining candidates for the leadership of the OIF?
The candidates running for Secretary-General include Romanian candidate Dacian Cioloș, incumbent Rwandan leader Louise Mushikiwabo, and former Mauritanian minister Coumba Ba, according to reports by hotnews.ro and France Presse.
How is the new Secretary-General chosen under OIF rules?
The leader is selected by consensus among the 53 full member states, or by a simple majority vote if consensus cannot be reached, as outlined in rules adopted in 2022 and cited by hotnews.ro.
When will the final decision be announced by member states?
The leadership decision will be adopted by the heads of state and government during the summit session on November 16, 2026, Digi24 reported.