PARIS, June 30 – Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has praised the leadership of Louise Mushikiwabo, saying her two terms as Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) have delivered major governance reforms and strengthened the organization.
Nduhungirehe made the remarks after attending the first-ever public hearing of candidates seeking to become the next OIF Secretary-General, describing the process as a historic milestone for the Francophonie.
Historic Candidate Hearing Marks a New Era for the OIF
The hearing took place in Paris during the 47th Extraordinary Session of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF), where four candidates presented their experience, leadership credentials, and vision for the organization before ministers representing member states.
In a statement shared on X, Nduhungirehe explained that each candidate was given 20 minutes to present their platform, followed by a 35-minute question-and-answer session with foreign ministers.
He noted that the transparent selection process was being conducted for the first time in the organization’s history, attributing the reform to governance changes introduced during Mushikiwabo’s tenure.
Mushikiwabo Credited with Strengthening OIF Governance
According to Nduhungirehe, the reforms implemented under Mushikiwabo have modernized the organization’s electoral process and improved institutional governance.
He said representatives from 49 member states, including 23 foreign ministers, attended the meeting. The foreign ministers of Mauritania, Romania, and Rwanda participated in person, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo joined virtually.
The minister described the session as an important step toward promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability in the election of the OIF’s leadership.
Candidates Commended for Respectful and Constructive Campaign
Nduhungirehe said the hearing was characterized by professionalism and mutual respect among the candidates.
He noted that three of the four contenders are African women, while the only male candidate comes from Europe, describing the diversity of the field as another notable aspect of the election.
He said: “The candidates presented their programmes in a constructive manner. There was no confrontation or exchange of hostile remarks,” he adding that the candidates also demonstrated collegiality during a reception hosted by the chair of the CMF.
Minister Highlights Mushikiwabo’s Experience
While acknowledging the strengths of all four candidates, Nduhungirehe said Mushikiwabo stood out because of her extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of the organization.
He said: “Although all candidates demonstrated commitment and a vision for the future of the OIF, there was a clear difference in Louise Mushikiwabo’s experience, expertise and deep understanding of the organization compared with the other candidates. This does not diminish the positive ambitions expressed by the other contenders.”
He added that Mushikiwabo’s record over the past two terms positions her as a strong candidate to continue leading the Francophonie.
Member States to Decide the OIF’s Next Leader in Cambodia
The election for the next OIF Secretary-General will take place during the 20th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Francophonie, scheduled for November 15–16, 2026, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Member states will make the final decision after considering the recommendations adopted by ministers following the candidate hearings, marking what is expected to be the organization’s first fully competitive election under its reformed voting system.
