France’s hidden strategy behind the OIF leadership race

The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) is set to elect its next Secretary-General during its November 15-16, 2026 summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. For the past four years, this pivotal role has been held by Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo, but the stage is now set for a new leader to steer the organisation’s future direction.

Recent diplomatic maneuvers suggest France, under President Macron’s administration, is quietly pushing for the candidacy of former Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Cioloș to replace Mushikiwabo. This covert preference comes despite France’s public endorsement of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) candidate Juliana Amato Lumumba, a former Minister of Culture and Arts.

Observers point to France’s strategic dilemma in choosing between the DRC’s bid and Rwanda’s outgoing leadership. Rwanda, having served two terms, has distanced itself ideologically from the French language, raising questions about its alignment with Francophonie’s core values. Meanwhile, the DRC boasts over 100 million French speakers, hosts numerous francophone universities, and operates vibrant French-language media outlets—making it a natural leader for the organisation.

France’s apparent hesitation to support the DRC’s candidature, despite its overwhelming francophone credentials, has sparked debate. Critics argue that Paris’ reluctance to embrace the DRC’s leadership bid reflects deeper geopolitical tensions and a failure to acknowledge the country’s central role in the Francophonie. With 90 member states, the OIF’s leadership isn’t merely symbolic; it shapes the diplomatic balance across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Juliana Amato Lumumba embodies the qualities needed for this role: experience, diplomatic neutrality, and a clear vision for the Francophonie’s future. If France continues to undermine her candidacy through covert support for Cioloș, Kinshasa may need to reconsider its relationship with Paris.

As the world’s largest francophone nation, the DRC deserves fair treatment from France. Should Lumumba’s bid fail due to French interference, decisive action may be the only response for a country that holds such strategic importance within the Francophonie.