Francophone Summit Opens in Cambodia Amid Rwanda-DRC Leadership Rift

OPA WIRE, Nov 15 (OPA) — The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie kicked off its summit in the Cambodian capital on Saturday, with discussions immediately eclipsed by a standoff over the organization's top post. Rwandan incumbent Louise Mushikiwabo is seeking a third four-year term after leading the body since 2018. Kigali's aspirations face fierce opposition from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has threatened to exit the bloc if Mushikiwabo secures re-election.

Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of military backing for the M23 armed group operating in its mineral-rich eastern provinces, an allegation Kigali consistently denies. On Saturday, the DRC withdrew its candidate, Juliana Lumumba, in favor of former Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos to rally consensus. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed Mushikiwabo remains in the race, alongside Mauritania's former minister Coumba Ba, setting the stage for a contentious vote on Monday.

The leadership dispute risks delivering another severe blow to the 90-member confederation of French-speaking nations. The OIF previously lost Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso following their withdrawal in March 2025 after military coups led to suspensions. The DRC boasts a population exceeding 110 million, making it the most populous French-speaking nation and a cornerstone of the organization's demographic weight.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Phnom Penh on Saturday to meet Prime Minister Hun Manet and navigate the diplomatic rift among African counterparts. France remains the largest financial contributor to the OIF's 2026 budget of 71.7 million euros ($79 million). Meanwhile, human rights activists have urged delegates visiting the host nation to press Cambodia's government regarding detained political dissidents and free speech restrictions.