I n the quiet buildup to the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, a familiar name is once again gaining momentum across diplomatic circles.
Louise Mushikiwabo, who has led the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) since 2019, has officially been put forward by Rwanda for a third term—an endorsement that not only reflects confidence in her leadership, but also signals continuity at a time when the organisation is redefining its global role.
The confirmation, announced by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, in an interview with Jeune Afrique, places Mushikiwabo firmly in the race ahead of the November summit. Her candidacy enters the next phase backed by a record that supporters describe as both visible and measurable, shaped by reforms and an expanded institutional footprint over the past six years.
A track record that shapes the race
Rwanda’s decision to resubmit Mushikiwabo’s candidacy comes against a backdrop of growing support within the Francophonie. During the ministerial conference held in Kigali in November 2025, several member states openly encouraged her to seek another mandate.
As Nduhungirehe noted in the interview, “several member states expressed their wish to see Louise Mushikiwabo run for a third term,” framing the calls as a strong political signal that informed Kigali’s position. Since taking office, Mushikiwabo has overseen what is widely described as a structured transformation of the OIF.
Her leadership has focused on strengthening the organisation’s political credibility, clarifying its institutional direction, and improving operational efficiency—areas that had previously drawn criticism from observers who questioned the bloc’s impact.
Under her tenure, the Francophonie has expanded its engagement in electoral processes and governance support, deploying missions and initiatives to address disinformation and reinforce democratic systems in countries such as Lebanon, Moldova, and the Central African Republic.
At the same time, it has taken a more active role in supporting Francophone candidates seeking leadership positions in major international institutions, including the African Union, the African Development Bank, and UNESCO.
Institutional reform has also been central. A notable shift has been the move away from informal consensus-based leadership selection to a more standardised onecountry-one-vote system.
The reform is seen as a step toward strengthening transparency and ensuring a more rules-based internal process.
Expanding influence beyond diplomacy
Beyond governance reforms, Mushikiwabo’s leadership has increasingly emphasised practical cooperation among member states.
Programmes such as the mobility scheme for French-language teachers have facilitated exchanges across countries, with a recent cohort of 50 educators from 15 nations travelling to Kigali to collaborate with local counterparts.
Similar initiatives have been implemented in countries including Ghana and Seychelles. Economic engagement has also become more pronounced.
Through the Francophonie économique framework, the organisation has supported trade missions and business partnerships, including an initiative in Benin that resulted in commercial agreements valued at around €30 million.
These efforts reflect a broader shift toward making the Francophonie more responsive to development and economic priorities.
Gender equality remains another defining pillar of her tenure.
During the Kigali ministerial conference, held under the theme marking 30 years since the Beijing World Conference on Women, the organisation reinforced its focus on women’s leadership and inclusion.
Mushikiwabo has also called for increased support to the “Francophonie With Women” fund and new initiatives aimed at equipping women and girls with skills in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.
Her candidacy unfolds in a competitive field that includes figures such as Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo and former Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Cioloș.
While some observers point to underlying geopolitical dynamics, particularly within the Great Lakes region, the process remains structured around formal presentations and voting by member states ahead of the Phnom Penh summit.
With more than 90 member states and governments, the OIF represents a significant multilateral platform, increasingly shaped by African membership and priorities.
Within this context, Mushikiwabo’s supporters argue that her leadership has helped reposition the organisation as a more active and credible actor on the global stage.
Her broader diplomatic experience continues to underpin that narrative.
Before joining the OIF, she served as Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from 2009 to 2018, alongside roles as Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information—positions that placed her at the centre of Rwanda’s international engagement during a critical period of its postgenocide recovery and global integration.
As the Francophonie moves toward its next leadership decision, Mushikiwabo’s bid reflects more than a routine reelection effort. It represents a test of whether the reforms and direction established under her tenure resonate strongly enough with member states to warrant continuity; where achievements, as much as ambition, will shape the final outcome.
