The Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, says she would be greatly surprised if the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) withdrew from the organisation following her possible re-election for the 2027–2030 term.
Mushikiwabo made the remarks during an interview with Africa24, in which she was asked about reports that the DRC could consider leaving the OIF if she secures another term as Secretary-General.
She noted that the DRC had participated in preparations for the election since the beginning of the year, including presenting its own candidate. She argued that a major country should not make such a decision over the outcome of an election.
“I have heard the reports about the DRC potentially leaving the OIF, but a major country with such a large population should not behave in that manner,” Mushikiwabo said.
She added that the DRC had been involved throughout the electoral process, including discussions with candidates that concluded in June.
“The process is already underway, and this country itself has been involved since the beginning of the year. It presented a candidate, participated in all the stages, and took part in discussions with the candidates, which concluded in June. We are now at the final stage, so such a move would not be appropriate for a major country,” she said.
OIF Decisions Involve 53 Member States
Mushikiwabo emphasised that while individual member states are free to make decisions at the national level, the OIF is governed collectively by its 53 member states and governments.
“A country can make its own decision at the national level, but the OIF is made up of 53 countries that make decisions together. No single country has the power to overturn the decision of the others in this organisation. It is a choice made by all the countries through a process that has already been established and in which every country has participated,” she said.
She reiterated that, based on the reports circulating so far, she did not expect the DRC to withdraw from the organisation because of the election outcome.
“I would be very surprised. The DRC is a major country and should not behave like a country throwing a tantrum,” Mushikiwabo said.
Mushikiwabo is seeking another term as OIF Secretary-General. Her challengers include the DRC’s Juliana Amato Lumumba, Dr. Coumba Ba of Mauritania and Dacian Cioloș of Romania.