French MP Says Kinshasa Should Be Capital of the Francophone World

French MP Aurélien Taché has said Kinshasa should be considered the capital of the Francophone world, following a recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Speaking after meetings with Congolese officials, including Minister of Human Rights Samuel Mbemba, Taché pointed to the DRC’s demographic weight, noting that it is the country with the largest number of French speakers globally.

He also used the visit to promote a proposal for a Francophone academy that could be based in Kinshasa. According to him, the French language should now have a central hub in Africa, reflecting where most of its speakers are located.

The proposed academy, he said, would focus not only on the evolution of the French language but also on issues related to values, including peace and human rights.

Taché also referred to the situation in eastern DRC, saying the Francophone world is affected by ongoing instability in the region. He raised concerns about the conflict's impact on human rights and the credibility of the Francophone space.

His remarks come at a time when the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is preparing for a new leadership cycle.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has put forward Juliana Amato Lumumba as its candidate, positioning her campaign around themes of cultural sovereignty, youth, and Africa’s growing role within the Francophone world.

Taché's remarks signal growing support within French political circles for the DRC’s position in the evolving Francophonie elections.

He also stressed that the DRC’s position within the Francophone world should go beyond symbolism, calling for stronger institutional recognition in line with its demographic importance