One day after the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, visited France, his government announced Juliana Amato Lumumba, daughter of Patrice Lumumba, as its candidate for the election of the Secretary-General of the OIF.
The announcement was made through a statement released by the Ministry of Communication and Media in the DRC, confirming that Juliana Amato Lumumba is the country’s official candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
The statement reads: “ The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially presented the candidacy of Madame Juliana Amato Lumumba for the position of Secretary-General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).”
Crispin Mbadu Phanzu, envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DRC, stated: “The Government of DRC seeks to contribute to a more modern, more inclusive and more people-centred Francophonie. By putting forward Juliana Amato Lumumbam the country aims to help renew the Francophone space and strengthen its outreach.”
The DRC government says Juliana Amato Lumumba has experience in public administration, cultural diplomacy, international relations, and economic governance.
The announcement of her candidacy came just one day after President Félix Tshisekedi visited Paris, France, where he held talks with President Emmanuel Macron. Discussions reportedly included the issue of the candidate who will compete in this election.
Juliana Amato Lumumba, aged 71, is the daughter of Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
She has held various ministerial positions under the leadership of Laurent-Désiré Kabila. In 1997, she served as Deputy Minister of Communication and Media. She also served as Minister of Education, and later as Minister of Culture and Arts.
If her candidacy is validated, Juliana Amato Lumumba will compete against Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo, who has already been confirmed by the Government of Rwanda as a candidate for a third term.
Louise Mushikiwabo, who was elected to the position in October 2018, is credited with strengthening the OIF, especially by bringing it closer to the people and promoting the role of women and youth, contributing to their development.
The Rwandan politician, well known in Rwanda and the region, became Secretary-General of the OIF after previously serving in senior positions in Rwanda, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation from 2009 to 2018 before being elected to the role.
Mushikiwabo, who also served as Government Spokesperson, was previously Rwanda’s Minister of Information.
In a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, Mushikiwabo addressed the DRC’s announcement that it would present a candidate to compete with her. She said: “The Kinshasa government is preparing its candidate to compete with me; that is not a problem, it is good. Countries will choose freely, let them vote! In truth, I believe these elections are meant to give new life to the OIF.”
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