Rwanda has intensified its diplomatic efforts to secure another term for Louise Mushikiwabo as Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). On April 10, 2026, Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana , visited Ghana , where he delivered a special message from President Paul Kagame to John Dramani Mahama . The message called on Ghana to support Mushikiwabo’s candidacy for a new term at the helm of the Francophonie. According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Education, the visit was part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at rallying support for Mushikiwabo

Rwanda has intensified its diplomatic efforts to secure another term for Louise Mushikiwabo as Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

On April 10, 2026, Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, visited Ghana, where he delivered a special message from President Paul Kagame to John Dramani Mahama. The message called on Ghana to support Mushikiwabo’s candidacy for a new term at the helm of the Francophonie.

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Education, the visit was part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at rallying support for Mushikiwabo ahead of the upcoming elections. She is seeking re-election for the 2027–2030 mandate, which would mark her third term if successful.

The election of the OIF Secretary-General is scheduled to take place during the organization’s ministerial conference set for December 15–16, 2026, in Cambodia. Candidate submissions will officially close on May 15.

Rwanda has already confirmed Mushikiwabo as its candidate, positioning her as a strong contender given her experience and leadership since taking office in 2019.

However, the race is expected to be competitive. Among those who have declared their candidacy is Dacian Cioloș, a former Prime Minister of Romania and ex-European Commissioner for Agriculture. Other contenders include Juliana Amato Lumumba, a former Minister of Culture from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Coumba Ba, who previously served as Mauritania’s Minister of Public Service.

As the deadline for nominations approaches, Rwanda continues to engage key member states, signaling a determined push to retain leadership of the Francophonie through Mushikiwabo’s re-election bid.

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