The Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, has expressed gratitude and cautious openness to seeking a third term, as she commended the successful conclusion of the Francophonie conferences hosted in Kigali from November 18 to 20, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kigali, Mushikiwabo said she was deeply encouraged by the number of member states urging her to stay on and pledging to support her possible candidacy.
Her comments came at the end of the 46th Conference of Francophonie Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the first such gathering ever held in East Africa and a moment of symbolic significance for Rwanda, one of the organisation’s 21 founding members.
Mushikiwabo’s current mandate, her second since first being elected in 2019, is set to conclude in late 2026. She noted that ministerial discussions included the timetable for official declarations of candidacy, which require six months of campaigning.
“In that regard, I was asked by many countries that want to support my candidacy. I said that I am not like Abdou Diouf, who served three terms. Honestly, it made me happy, it touched my heart to receive such encouragement from our member states,” she said.
She added that she would first consult Rwanda’s leadership before making any decision, citing the country’s retirement regulations as another factor to consider. “I will respond to these countries after consulting with the leaders of my country,” she noted.
Mushikiwabo also celebrated the smooth organization and constructive outcomes of the conferences in Kigali, saying she was “doubly happy” that the deliberations took place in her home country and generated clear guidance on strengthening the impact of La Francophonie.
She said the exchanges helped identify areas where the organization can intervene more effectively and better reflect member states’ priorities in its work.
“With this 46th Conference, La Francophonie reaffirms its ambition to become a driving space for social innovation, equality, and sustainable development,” she said.
She highlighted ongoing efforts to reinforce gender equality and called on the Francophone community to translate commitments into concrete action to tackle persistent discrimination worldwide.
The Kigali meetings were held under the theme “30 Years After Beijing: The Role of Women in the Francophone Space,” coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the landmark Beijing World Conference on Women.
They also set the stage for the 20th OIF Summit scheduled for Cambodia in autumn 2026.
