DRC Nominates Juliana Lumumba for Secretary General of La Francophonie

KINSHASA February 27, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially nominated Juliana Amato Lumumba, daughter of independence hero Patrice Emery Lumumba, as its candidate for Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). A political science graduate from Paris and a prominent figure in Congolese public life, Lumumba brings over 30 years of experience in governance, cultural diplomacy, and international cooperation. She has held key positions in the Congolese government, including Deputy Minister and Minister of Culture (1997-2001), and has extensive entrepreneurial experience in consulting, communications, and international trade. From 2007 to 2015, she served as Secretary General of the Union of African Chambers of Commerce (UACCIAP), contributing to continental economic integration. According to Crispin Mbadu, Minister Delegate responsible for Francophonie and the Congolese Diaspora, Lumumba’s candidacy reflects the DRC’s desire to promote a modern, inclusive, and people-centered Francophonie, highlighting her leadership, pan-African expertise, cultural diplomacy, commitment to women’s empowerment, and fluency in multiple languages, including French, Arabic, English, Lingala, and Swahili. Her nomination comes amid a diplomatic contest with Rwanda, as current OIF Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo seeks a third term. The DRC intends to submit Lumumba’s candidacy before June 2026. The selection was reinforced by recent diplomatic engagement with France, including the February 2 visit of French Minister Delegate for Francophonie Éléonore Caroit to Kinshasa and the February 25 meeting in Paris between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Félix Tshisekedi, emphasizing the DRC’s strategic role in the future of the Francophone space in Africa. The DRC government stated that Lumumba’s vision, combined with her extensive public service and international experience, positions her as a candidate capable of strengthening solidarity, promoting diversity, and fostering development across Francophone countries.

Faits rapportés

KINSHASA February 27, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially nominated Juliana Amato Lumumba, daughter of independence hero Patrice Emery Lumumba, as its candidate for Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). A political science graduate from Paris and a prominent figure in Congolese public life, Lumumba brings over 30 years of experience in governance, cultural diplomacy, and international cooperation. She has held key positions in the Congolese government, including Deputy Minister and Minister of Culture (1997-2001), and has extensive entrepreneurial experience in consulting, communications, and international trade. From 2007 to 2015, she served as Secretary General of the Union of African Chambers of Commerce (UACCIAP), contributing to continental economic integration. According to Crispin Mbadu, Minister Delegate responsible for Francophonie and the Congolese Diaspora, Lumumba’s candidacy reflects the DRC’s desire to promote a modern, inclusive, and people-centered Francophonie, highlighting her leadership, pan-African expertise, cultural diplomacy, commitment to women’s empowerment, and fluency in multiple languages, including French, Arabic, English, Lingala, and Swahili. Her nomination comes amid a diplomatic contest with Rwanda, as current OIF Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo seeks a third term. The DRC intends to submit Lumumba’s candidacy before June 2026. The selection was reinforced by recent diplomatic engagement with France, including the February 2 visit of French Minister Delegate for Francophonie Éléonore Caroit to Kinshasa and the February 25 meeting in Paris between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Félix Tshisekedi, emphasizing the DRC’s strategic role in the future of the Francophone space in Africa. The DRC government stated that Lumumba’s vision, combined with her extensive public service and international experience, positions her as a candidate capable of strengthening solidarity, promoting diversity, and fostering development across Francophone countries.