DRC again steps up lobbying for OIF top job ahead of November

The Democratic Republic of Congo is ramping up its diplomatic push for the top post at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), with officials outlining next steps ahead of key decisions expected later this year.

On Tuesday, March 3, Vice Minister for Francophonie and the Congolese diaspora Crispin Mbadu convened the group of ambassadors from Francophone countries accredited to Kinshasa, according to Actualite.cd .

The meeting focused on two immediate tracks: preparations for events linked to the International Day of La Francophonie on March 20, and coordination around the DRC’s bid to lead the OIF.

Kinshasa’s campaign gained momentum after the government announced Juliana Amato Lumumba as its candidate for OIF secretary-general, positioning her as a “strong female voice” and a figure meant to champion a Francophonie described by officials as more inclusive and closer to citizens. The bid, officials say, is also intended to project the DRC’s weight within the Francophone world, with Kinshasa highlighting its status as one of the largest French-speaking populations globally.

Mbadu’s ministry said the outreach to diplomats fits into a wider plan to deepen consultation and cooperation across the Francophonie, anchored on dialogue, solidarity and shared values. The March 3 briefing is part of the DRC’s effort to build visibility and support ahead of the November 2026 Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where the leadership question is expected to be addressed.

The contest is expected to pit the DRC’s candidate against incumbent secretary-general Louise Mushikiwabo, whose government in Kigali has already indicated it will back her for another term.

For Kinshasa, the next phase is diplomatic: maintaining contact with Francophone partners, using March 20 programming as a visibility moment, and consolidating endorsements as the summit approaches.

Source: Actualite.cd