President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame joined the rest of the world in welcoming Minister Louise Mushikiwabo’s unanimous victory as the new Secretary General of La Francophonie. Mushikiwabo’s election to the helm of the 84-nation bloc took place on Friday during the 17th OIF summit in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Her win follows months on the campaign trail that took her to different countries across the world. Mushikiwabo will take over from Canadian national Michaëlle Jean, who has led the body since 2014. Merci infiniment à tous nos frères et sœurs africains qui nous ont soutenu et à tous les pays à travers toute la Francophonie qui ont placé leur confiance dans notre candidate. (1/2) — Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) October 12, 2018 President Kagame described Mushikiwabo’s victory as “historic” for Rwandans and Africans who unanimously fronted her as their single candidate. He thanked the African countries for the support and other member states for backing Rwanda’s candidate. Cest un moment historique pour nous tous, Rwandais et Africains, qui démontre une fois de plus, quil ny a pas de défis insurmontables face à une Afrique unie et déterminée. Toutes mes félicitations à toi, Louise Mushikiwabo.(2/2) #Francophonie #SommetEVN2018 — Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) October 12, 2018 This, he added, was an historic moment for Rwandans and Africans in general, adding it demonstrates that there are no insurmountable challenges for a united and determined Africa. On her part, the First Lady urged Mushikiwabo to carry on her new duties with the Rwandan Agaciro (dignity), which she urged her to inculcate in the Francophonie community. Va @LMushikiwabo, jolie Imbuto du pays des ancêtres, va, fille dAfrique! Continue à porter haut le flambeau Agaciro, au cœur de la Francophonie! -JK. — First Lady of Rwanda (@FirstLadyRwanda) October 12, 2018 While responding to First Lady’s comment, Mushikiwabo said that Mrs Kagame’s message was an “ointment to a soul that was full on emotions”. She said that the message from the First Lady brought great relief at the end of a very busy day; one she said was full of emotions. Mushikiwabo also commended those that supported her through her journey to winning the Francophone top post. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
