The Democratic Republic of Congo sought Morocco\u2019s backing for its campaign to lead the International Organization of La Francophonie during high-level talks in Rabat between Congolese officials and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.<\/p>\n
Bourita received Crispin Mbadu Phanzu, the Democratic Republic of Congo\u2019s Minister Delegate for Francophonie and Congolese Abroad, who delivered a message from President F\u00e9lix-Antoine Tshisekedi to King Mohammed VI. Discussions focused on securing support for the DRC\u2019s candidate for Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie.<\/p>\n
Following the meeting, Phanzu praised the strength of relations between Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He said the partnership is rooted in a long history of cooperation and shared interests.<\/p>\n
Joining the delegation was Juliana Amato Lumumba, the DRC\u2019s candidate for the organization\u2019s top position. Lumumba, daughter of independence leader Patrice Lumumba, emphasized the longstanding friendship between the two countries. She recalled that her father had received a distinction from the late King Mohammed V.<\/p>\n
Lumumba said Morocco and the DRC share common views on sovereignty, unity, solidarity, and inclusion. She outlined her vision for a more people-centered Francophonie that responds to the needs of member populations.<\/p>\n
Relations between Rabat and Kinshasa have strengthened in recent years. In December 2020, the DRC opened a Consulate General in Dakhla, joining several African countries that established diplomatic missions in Morocco\u2019s southern provinces. At the time, Congolese authorities described the move as recognition of Morocco\u2019s sovereignty over the Sahara.<\/p>\n
The DRC\u2019s candidacy carries significant demographic weight within the Francophone world. The country has more than 114 million inhabitants and around 57 million French speakers, making it the second-largest French-speaking nation globally.<\/p>\n
President Tshisekedi officially endorsed Lumumba\u2019s candidacy on March 19. Lumumba previously held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Culture, between 1997 and 2001. She is also a graduate of the \u00c9cole des Hautes \u00c9tudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris.<\/p>\n
The race for Secretary General includes four candidates. Incumbent Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda is seeking a third term after taking office in 2019. Mauritania has nominated presidential adviser and former minister Coumba B\u00e2, while former Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolo\u0219 is the only non-African candidate in the contest.<\/p>\n
Candidate registration closed on May 15. The election will take place on November 15 and 16 during the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.<\/p>\n
The campaign unfolds against a backdrop of regional tensions. Relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda remain strained due to the conflict in eastern Congo, where Congolese forces have been fighting the M23 armed group since 2021.<\/p>\n
The International Organization of La Francophonie has also faced institutional challenges. Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso announced their withdrawal from the organization in March 2025 after being suspended.<\/p>\n
Headquartered in Paris, the organization brings together 90 member states and governments. Its Secretary General is elected for a four-year term by heads of state and government. French is the fourth most spoken language in the world, with an estimated 396 million speakers, most of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa and the Maghreb.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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