DR Congo, Rwanda clash over Francophonie leadership as Macron seeks compromise

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are in a dispute over who should lead the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, as the group prepares to choose its next secretary-general at a summit in Cambodia. French President Emmanuel Macron has asked Rwanda to withdraw its candidate, Louise Mushikiwabo, in favour of a compromise choice, but Rwanda says it has rejected the request.

The leadership contest has heightened tensions between the two countries, which are already at odds over conflict in eastern DR Congo. Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, an allegation Kigali denies. DR Congo has warned it may leave the organisation if Mushikiwabo wins another term, but says it would withdraw its own candidate, Juliana Lumumba, if Rwanda also backed a consensus candidate. The OIF has 53 members, and the vote is due on Monday.