DR Congo, Rwanda clash over Francophonie leadership as Macron seeks compromise
34 minutes ago
DR Congo and Rwanda clashed Saturday over the leadership of the Francophonie, as tensions between the neighbouring countries spilled into the race to head the 53-member organisation. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Rwanda to withdraw its candidate in favour of a compromise choice ahead of Monday's vote.
This file photo shows France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Secretary General of Francophonie Louise Mushikiwabo at the end of a press conference during the closing session of the 19th Summit of the Francophonie at the Grand Palais in Paris, on October 5, 2024. © Ludovic Marin, AFP
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda , already mired in cross-border conflict , clashed on Saturday over who should next head a key group of French-speaking states and governments.
The next secretary-general of the 53-member Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), which begins a summit in Cambodia on Sunday, has become a major bone of contention.
French President Emmanuel Macron , who arrived Saturday in the capital Phnom Penh, has requested that Rwanda withdraw its candidate for the job, current leader Louise Mushikiwabo , in favour of a compromise choice.
Mushikiwabo has been standing for another term against three other candidates, including DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba, the daughter of national hero Patrice Lumumba .
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