Kinshasa steps up OIF campaign with Chad support push

The Democratic Republic of Congo is intensifying its diplomatic campaign ahead of the 2026 leadership election for the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), with Kinshasa seeking Chad’s support for its candidate Juliana Lumumba Amato.

During a mission to N'Djamena, Minister Delegate for Francophonie Crispin Mbadu Phanzu and Juliana Lumumba delivered a message from President Félix Tshisekedi to Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno as part of broader efforts to secure African backing before the November 2026 vote.

Kinshasa is basing part of its argument on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s demographic position as the world’s largest French-speaking country by number of speakers. Congolese officials say this gives the country a legitimate claim to play a greater role within the Francophonie and help shape the organisation’s future direction.

Juliana Lumumba has proposed reforms aimed at making the Francophonie more political, more economically connected and closer to the priorities of member populations. Congolese officials say the initiative includes several projects designed to strengthen cooperation and cohesion within the French-speaking bloc.

The Chad visit follows earlier diplomatic outreach missions to countries including Cape Verde and the Republic of Congo, reflecting what Kinshasa describes as a wider African engagement strategy ahead of the election.

The OIF vote, scheduled for Cambodia in November 2026, is expected to oppose incumbent Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda, who is seeking another term, against Juliana Lumumba as DR Congo pushes for a new strategic direction within the organisation.