Nduhungirehe cites Mushikiwabo’s record in bid for another OIF term

Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has cited Louise Mushikiwabo’s record at the helm of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) as a key reason for his confidence in her bid to secure another term as Secretary-General.

Mushikiwabo, who has led the OIF since January 2019, is seeking re-election against Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Coumba Bâ of Mauritania and former Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Cioloș.

Speaking to Igicaniro TV, Nduhungirehe said Mushikiwabo had demonstrated strong leadership by reforming the organisation’s political governance and financial management since taking office.

“Louise Mushikiwabo has every chance of being re-elected as Secretary-General of La Francophonie because she fundamentally reformed the organisation’s political governance and financial management,” Nduhungirehe said.

He said Mushikiwabo took over an organisation facing several challenges but managed to strengthen its operations and give greater direction to its programmes, including initiatives targeting young people and women.

Nduhungirehe also pointed to a June 30, 2026, presentation in Paris, where the candidates outlined their programmes to OIF ministers and independent experts.

According to the minister, Mushikiwabo emerged strongly from the exercise because her record in office demonstrated her ability to deliver, while the projects she presented were concrete and aligned with the organisation’s future priorities.

“What she has accomplished speaks for itself, and the projects she presented are concrete and aligned with the direction La Francophonie needs to take,” he said.

Rwanda has also stepped up efforts to secure support for Mushikiwabo ahead of the election, with Nduhungirehe saying the campaign was progressing well.

“We are confident, without a doubt, that she will emerge victorious,” he said.

Mushikiwabo’s bid comes as the OIF leadership race attracts candidates from four member states, making the 2026 election a competitive contest for control of the Francophone organisation.

The new Secretary-General will be elected at the OIF’s 20th Summit, which is scheduled to bring together heads of state and government in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November 2026.