The race to lead the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) is taking shape as member states prepare to choose the next Secretary-General, a position that plays a key role in promoting the French language, cultural diversity, peace, democracy, and economic cooperation across the Francophone world. The OIF brings together 93 states and governments, including members, associate members and observers. It has been led by Rwanda's Louise Mushikiwabo for the past eight year. Mushikiwabo and three other candidates are campaigning ahead of election in November. ALSO READ: Rwanda backs Mushikiwabo for third term at Francophonie Here are profiles of candidates who have emerged as contenders for the position, each bringing distinct diplomatic, political, and international experience. Louise Mushikiwabo Louise Mushikiwabo, 65, is a Rwandan diplomat and politician who serves as Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). She previously served as Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation from 2009 to 2018. Born on May 22, 1961, in Kigali, Mushikiwabo studied English at the former National University of Rwanda (NUR). She moved to the United States in 1986. She earned a master’s degree in Languages and Interpretation from the University of Delaware and built a career in communications and international development. In 2008, Mushikiwabo was appointed Minister of Information. A year later, she became the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position she held for nearly a decade, playing a central role in advancing Rwanda’s diplomatic engagement on the regional and global stage. ALSO READ: Mushikiwabo speaks out on prospects of third term at La Francophonie In 2018, she was elected Secretary General of the OIF, and re-elected in 2022. She continues to champion multilateral cooperation, cultural dialogue and the promotion of the French-speaking world. Mushikiwabo is seeking a third term at the helm of Francophonie. Juliana Amato Lumumba Juliana Amato Lumumba, 70, is a politician from DR Congo and the daughter of former Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. She served in the government of President Laurent-Désiré Kabila, holding several ministerial positions including Deputy Minister of Information and Press in 1997, Minister of Education from 1997 to 1998, and Minister of Culture and Arts in 2001. She also served as Secretary-General of the Union of African Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Professions, a Cairo-based body that promotes economic cooperation across Africa. Coumba Bâ Coumba Bâ, 56, is a Mauritanian politician and dental surgeon who has held several ministerial positions, including Public Service, Youth and Sports, and African Affairs. She currently serves as Minister-Counsellor to President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and Special Envoy to the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF). Born on February 28, 1970, in Monguel in southern Mauritania, Bâ comes from a Fulani family with a strong tradition of public service and education. She studied medicine in Niger before earning a doctorate in dental surgery in Côte d’Ivoire in 1998. Before entering politics, Bâ worked as a dental surgeon in Nouakchott and played an active role in public health campaigns, particularly those focused on oral hygiene, disease prevention and awareness programmes in schools and communities. ALSO READ: Rwanda-DR Congo tensions have no place in Francophonie election — Mushikiwabo She joined public service in 2005 as an adviser to the President of Mauritania and later held several senior government positions. In 2024, she was appointed Special Envoy to the OIF, and in 2026 launched her candidacy for the position of Secretary General of the organisation. Dacian Julien Cioloș Dacian Julien Cioloș, 56, is a Romanian agronomist and politician who served as Romania’s Prime Minister from 2015 to 2017. He previously held the position of Minister of Agriculture and later became European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. Born in Zalău, Romania, Cioloș grew up in the nearby village of Pericei, where he developed an interest in farming. He studied horticulture in Romania before pursuing postgraduate studies in agricultural development in France. Much of his professional career has focused on agriculture, rural development and European policy. He worked on agricultural projects in Romania and France and served in several roles linked to the European Commission before entering national politics. Cioloș was elected to the European Parliament in 2019 and became the first leader of the Renew Europe political group. He later led the Save Romania Union (USR) and subsequently founded the REPER party, remaining an influential figure in Romanian and European public affairs. Elections will take place at the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 16, 2026.
