DR Congo offers mutual withdrawal of Francophonie leadership candidates with Rwanda in favour of a consensus pick
The Democratic Republic of Congo's Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, said in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 14 that her country would withdraw its candidate for Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Juliana Lumumba, if Rwanda also pulls out its nominee, the incumbent Louise Mushikiwabo, in favour of a consensus candidate. The organisation's summit is due to begin in Phnom Penh on November 15, with the leadership election scheduled for November 17.
Mushikiwabo, a Rwandan, is seeking another term against three challengers, including Juliana Lumumba, daughter of Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba. According to Jeune Afrique magazine, French President Emmanuel Macron had asked Rwanda to withdraw Mushikiwabo's candidacy in favour of a compromise candidate, and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Kigali had rejected the request.
The organisation brings together 53 member states and governments. The leadership dispute comes amid strained relations between Kinshasa and Kigali over the conflict in eastern DR Congo.
Source: DR Congo Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：法语国家组织秘书长穆希基瓦博与时任阿根廷外长福里会面时的资料画面。来源：阿根廷外交部，Wikimedia Commons，CC BY 2.0。 / Photo: Francophonie Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo meeting then Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie (file photo). Source: Cancilleria Argentina, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
