Mushikiwabo speaks out on prospects of third term at La Francophonie
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), speaks at a press conference in Kigali on November 20. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza

Louise Mushikiwabo has addressed questions regarding whether she intends to seek a third term at the helm of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

The 64-year-old Rwandan diplomat is currently serving her second term as Secretary General, having been re-elected in November 2022. Each term lasts four years and is renewable, meaning the bloc is scheduled to hold its next elections in 2027.

Delegates follow Mushikiwabo's remarks.

Responding to a question about her future in the role, Mushikiwabo told journalists during a press conference in Kigali, held on the sidelines of the bloc’s two-day summit on November 20, that she will first consult Rwanda’s leadership before deciding whether to submit her candidacy for a third term.

ALSO READ: Mushikiwabo urges reimagined approach to women empowerment

Louise Mushikiwabo (C) speaks during a press conference related to the 46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie, as Cambodian Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs (L) and Éléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate responsible for La Francophonie listen, on November 20, 2025, in Kigali. Emmanuel Ntirenganya
"I have been solicited by several countries that request me to consider campaigning. I was very touched and honoured by the request of our member states. But, of course, I am going to consult my country, my authorities, since the candidates are fielded by the Member States,” she said.

She added that she wants to see her retirement age in Rwanda, and pointed out that she is approaching retirement.

The OIF is an international organization representing states and governments with a notable affiliation with French language and culture.

According to the organisation, it is estimated that there are over 321 million French speakers across the five continents of the world.