The Democratic Republic of the Congo is considering withdrawing Juliana Amato Lumumba from the race for Francophonie Secretary-General in favour of Romania’s Dacian Cioloș…reports Africa Daily News Desk
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has expressed willingness to withdraw its candidate for Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) in an effort to build consensus around a common nominee and ease tensions in the leadership selection process.
In a statement issued in Phnom Penh on November 14, the Congolese government said it was prepared to reconsider the candidacy of Juliana Amato Lumumba and explore a joint approach supporting Romania’s candidate, Dacian Cioloș.
The announcement came during the 48th session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference, where disagreements have emerged over the selection of the organisation’s next Secretary-General.
The DRC government praised Lumumba’s commitment and the quality of her candidacy, which it said had put forward an ambitious vision for the renewal of the OIF. It stressed that the willingness to consider withdrawing her nomination should not be interpreted as questioning her profile, competence or contribution to the process.
The government said its decision reflected a commitment to responsibility and dialogue amid tensions surrounding the current selection process.
As the world’s largest French-speaking demographic community, the DRC said it remained deeply committed to a united Francophonie that respected its charter, values and the aspirations of its populations.
It added that the initiative was intended to help overcome differences and find a consensual solution in the wider interests of the organisation.
DRC seeks reciprocal compromise
The Congolese government recalled that the appointment of the OIF Secretary-General had traditionally relied on consensus among member states and governments.
It argued that preserving the organisation’s unity required a leader capable of bringing members together, responding to emerging challenges and strengthening its ability to act.
Following consultations with Romania, the DRC said it was willing to consider withdrawing Lumumba’s candidacy and examining a joint approach in support of Cioloș, who has been nominated by Romania.
The proposed arrangement, it said, was intended to bring positions closer together and create conditions for the widest possible agreement among member states.
However, Kinshasa stressed that its willingness to compromise should not be treated as a unilateral concession.
The government said the initiative depended on other candidates and the countries supporting them demonstrating a similar commitment to responsibility, flexibility and openness to compromise.
It maintained that reciprocal cooperation was essential to producing a genuinely consensual candidate and ensuring the success of the collective effort.
The DRC’s announcement signals an attempt to ease divisions within the Francophonie leadership selection process and secure broader agreement over the organisation’s future leadership.
