The race for the post of Secretary-General of La Francophonie is underway. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is backing an experienced figure to champion its ambitions on the international stage. Juliana Amato Lumumba is a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. A candidacy backed at the highest levels of government, with a vision: that of a Francophonie that is more political, more united and focused on young people.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is resolutely backing the candidacy of Juliana Amato Lumumba for the leadership of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. The former Minister of Culture brings considerable experience from within the state apparatus, having served previously as deputy minister and then minister. Her commitment is particularly notable in the areas of cultural diversity and what she terms « narrative sovereignty. »
We were with the delegate minister to discuss the roadmap, to talk about our strengths in relation to all the countries we needed to visit. We have 56 voting countries, so we will prioritise our visits to these countries and assess them in relation to the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The countries through which we will carry out our visits, with of course the lobbying that will be conducted under the auspices of the foreign affairs and the presidency.
JULIANA AMATO LUMUMBA, Candidate for Secretary-General of the OIF
At the heart of her campaign is a roadmap structured around nine projects to build, in her words, “a renewed Francophonie.” The objective: to strengthen the ties between member states, promote peace, and also invest more in youth, education, and innovation. Beyond the candidate’s profile, this is also an influence strategy deployed by the Central African country. With one of the largest Francophone populations in the world, the Democratic Republic of the Congo intends to exert greater influence on the organisation’s directions.
There are so many young people because they are our greatest asset. They need to become aware of this and take ownership of this message, because it is the message of the DRC. And I am sure that with everyone’s help, together, we will create a united Francophonie, a stronger Francophonie, a Francophonie that is present, and I am confident that the DRC, with its youth, its people, its courage, and its determination, will succeed and we will prevail.
JULIANA AMATO LUMUMBA, Candidate for Secretary-General of the OIF
Supported by an active diplomatic offensive, the Congolese candidacy thus aims to reposition the Francophonie as a central player in international balances.
