The Democratic Republic of Congo said on Saturday, Nov. 14, that it is ready to withdraw its candidate for secretary-general of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie to build consensus around the Romanian candidate, France 24 reported.
The idea of holding this summit in Cambodia has raised eyebrows, as only 0.16% of the local population speaks French, according to Le Devoir.
The move comes just two days before an election that has sparked sharp tensions with Rwanda. Kinshasa has lobbied for weeks to block the reelection of incumbent Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda, who took office in 2018 and is seeking a third term at the summit in Cambodia.
Threats of Departure and Diplomatic Stakes
As the second-largest francophone country globally with 57.3 million speakers according to the OIF, the DRC threatened to exit the organization if Kigali’s candidate wins.
Such a departure would deal a severe blow to the OIF following the exits of three Sahel states, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. The number of French speakers worldwide grew from 220 million in 2010 to 396 million in 2025, and could reach between 500 and 800 million by 2070, according to various scenarios.
Retour en images sur les temps forts de la 48e Conférence ministérielle de la Francophonie (#CMF48), tenue à Phnom Penh à la veille du 20e Sommet de la #Francophonie. Une journée d’échanges consacrée aux grands enjeux politiques et de coopération ainsi qu’à la préparation des… pic.twitter.com/kfb6DOyxNZ
The summit gathers heads of state and government from 53 full-member countries in Phnom Penh, the first time in nearly thirty years that the event is held in Asia. The city is currently being swarmed by international delegations, reported Point de Vue. Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri represents King Mohammed VI at the meetings.
Candidates Seek Consensus for the Post
Four candidates officially contest the post, including Mushikiwabo, Congolese candidate Juliana Lumumba, former Romanian Prime Minister and European Commissioner Dacian Ciolos, and former Mauritanian minister Coumba Ba. During a closed-door ministerial meeting, Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner announced the shift.
“Dans cet esprit, nous serions prêts à retirer la candidature de notre candidate pour favoriser l’émergence d’un consensus,” said Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, ministre congolaise des Affaires étrangères, told France 24.
Kinshasa expressed willingness to explore a shared approach supporting Ciolos, who appeared as Mushikiwabo’s main rival according to sources. Ciolos welcomed the dialogue to strengthen the organization’s credibility.
Si cette manœuvre tardive échoue, ce sera un camouflet et la fin de la francophonie institutionnelle actuelle. Si elle réussit, le départ de Louise Mushikiwabo sera un moindre mal. Mais alors que le français est plus que jamais une langue africaine, ce serait un très mauvais…
Kigali Rejects External Pressure
Rwanda maintained its candidate despite the DRC’s announcement and French requests. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said that Kigali rejected a demand from French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Le Rwanda ne cède à aucune pression de quiconque, Emmanuel Macron ou n’importe qui d’autre. Nous sommes un État souverain,” said Olivier Nduhungirehe, ministre rwandais des Affaires étrangères, told France 24.
#OIF : Macron affirme à Kagame que Tshisekedi et Ghazouani sont prêts à retirer leurs candidates Selon des informations de Jeune Afrique, Emmanuel Macron a adressé un long message écrit à Paul Kagame dans la nuit du 12 au 13 novembre. Il lui demande de retirer la candidature de…
Nduhungirehe criticized the DRC for backing a non-African candidate. Africa accounts for 26 of the 53 full members and 65 percent of the world’s francophones.
French Neutrality and Canadian Stance
The Élysée maintained a position of neutrality while Macron arrived in Cambodia to consult with African counterparts. The French presidency stressed that organizational unity remains the primary condition for efficiency.
Canada also backed a consensus approach. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand emphasized the necessity of unity to strengthen the OIF.
“Il est nécessaire d’être unis, nécessaire de renforcer l’OIF,” said Anita Anand, ministre canadienne des Affaires étrangères, told France 24.
OIF History and Cultural Events at the Summit
The organization was founded in 1970 as the Agence de coopération culturelle et technique, later renamed the OIF in 2005. Princess Jenna Norodom, a granddaughter of Prince Chakrapong, marked the summit by releasing a new single, Cambodia, with lyrics by the artist KER intended to bridge generations. She is expected to participate in the official gala dinner for delegates.
Questions About the Francophonie Summit and Candidates
Why is the Francophonie summit held in Cambodia?
Holding the event in Phnom Penh serves as a historical and diplomatic posture, drawing on the legacy of the French protectorate and early institutional founders like King Norodom Sihanouk, Le Devoir reported.
Who are the official candidates for secretary-general?
The four contenders include incumbent Louise Mushikiwabo, Juliana Lumumba, Dacian Ciolos, and Coumba Ba. Since the role was created in 1997, three of the four secretaries-general have been from Africa: Boutros-Ghali, Abdou Diouf, and Louise Mushikiwabo.
When will the next leader be chosen?
The heads of state and government must designate the future leader on Monday during the closing session of the summit. As the highest body of the Francophonie, the summit also serves as a progress review for the OIF. Leaders must also decide on the date and location for the 21st Summit scheduled for 2028.
J-1 avant le 20e Sommet de la #Francophonie ! Demain, les Chefs d’État et de gouvernement de la Francophonie se réuniront à Phnom Penh pour ce grand rendez-vous politique consacré aux enjeux de paix, de stabilité et de prospérité partagée. Plus haute instance de la… pic.twitter.com/mb62lPO14E
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