DR Congo and Rwanda clash over Francophonie leadership

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 05:26 · Archive

DR Congo and Rwanda are clashing over who should lead the 53-member Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie at a summit this week.

DR Congo and Rwanda are clashing over who should lead the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a 53-member group of French-speaking states and governments, at a summit in Cambodia through Monday. The dispute reflects wider tensions between the neighbouring countries, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group in the country's east. Rwanda denies this.

On Saturday, the DRC withdrew its candidate, Juliana Lumumba (daughter of independence hero Patrice Lumumba), and threw its backing behind Romanian former Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos to allow what it called 'consensus around a unifying candidacy'. The DRC called on Rwanda to withdraw current secretary-general Louise Mushikiwabo, who has led the OIF since 2018 and is seeking a third term. French President Emmanuel Macron, who arrived Saturday, had urged Rwanda to step aside in favour of a compromise choice.

Rwanda's foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, said Mushikiwabo would remain in the race. Mauritania's Coumba Ba, a former minister, is also running. The DRC has threatened to quit the organisation entirely if Mushikiwabo is re-elected on Monday.

How it is being reported

• Macron urges unity as Francophonie summit opens in CambodiaLeaders of French-speaking nations gathered in Phnom Penh as a row over who should lead the Francophonie and Congo’s threat to quit put pressure on Macron to broker consensus.DW News · 15 Nov, 08:12
• Francophone summit opens with Congo, Rwandan clashThe Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) gathers around 90 states and nations including 53 full members.The Japan Times · 15 Nov, 07:55
• Francophone summit opens in Cambodia amid Rwanda-DR Congo riftDemocratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda clash over who should lead the organisation of French-speaking nations.Al Jazeera · 15 Nov, 05:05
• DR Congo, Rwanda clash over Francophonie leadership as Macron seeks compromiseDR Congo and Rwanda clashed Saturday over the leadership of the Francophonie, as tensions between the neighbouring countries spilled into the race to head the 53-member organisation. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Rwanda to withdraw its candidate in favour of a compromise choice ahead of Monday's vote.France 24 · 14 Nov, 14:54

In this story: DR Congo · Rwanda · Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie · Emmanuel Macron · Louise Mushikiwabo · Juliana Lumumba · Dacian Ciolos · Cambodia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log