The leadership contest for the 53-member Francophonie has become a new point of friction between Congo and Rwanda, with Kinshasa offering to drop its nominee if Kigali backs a compromise.
Democratic Republic of Congo Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner said in Phnom Penh that her government would withdraw Juliana Lumumba’s nomination if Rwanda also withdrew incumbent Louise Mushikiwabo and supported a third candidate able to build consensus among members.
“We have called on all member states to work towards a consensus,” Wagner said.
France 24 said Jeune Afrique had first reported that French President Emmanuel Macron asked Rwanda to replace Mushikiwabo with a compromise candidate. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Rwanda rejected the request.
Lumumba is one of three challengers to Mushikiwabo, who is seeking another term as secretary-general of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. France 24 cited several sources for its report that Kinshasa might quit the organization if Mushikiwabo wins another term.
The Congolese government says Rwanda supports M23 within Congo; Rwanda disputes the allegation. DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi previously urged Russia to support U.N. demands for Rwanda to withdraw from eastern Congo.
The organization plans to convene its summit in Cambodia Sunday, then choose its next secretary-general Monday.
