Kinshasa has announced its intention to field a candidate for the leadership of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). But this decision was not born out of competence, vision, or a clearly articulated project for the Francophone world. It was triggered by one thing only: Rwanda.
Following the announcement that Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo is seeking a third term at the head of the OIF, incompetent Tshisekedi chaired a cabinet meeting in which his government hastily declared that the DRC would present its own candidate. Not because the DRC has a compelling alternative vision for the organization, but simply because the candidate is Rwandan.
The childish spite of these people has no limits.
A serious state does not approach international institutions as arenas for personal or regional vendettas. They aren’t serious of course. Countries do not apply or compete for leadership roles in global organizations to “counter” another nation. They do so by presenting ideas, values, reforms, and credible leadership.
But then, everything Rwanda does, Kinshasa feels compelled to imitate, often clumsily, often without substance. Rwanda has become the benchmark, not because Kinshasa admires excellence, but because it cannot escape comparison. Instead of focusing on governance, reform, and delivery at home, the Congolese leadership is consumed by what Kigali is doing next.
The problem, however, is not Rwanda’s candidate. It is Kinshasa’s own house.
The DRC is grappling with severe internal crises: chronic mismanagement, endemic corruption, collapsing public services, and persistent insecurity across large parts of the country. Millions of citizens remain displaced, and state authority is fragile. Institutions are weakened by patronage and incompetence. Or what Tshisekedists excel at.
Even more embarrassing is the financial reality. While making noise about competing with Rwanda on the international stage, Kinshasa owes the OIF more than 30 million euros in unpaid arrears. A country that calls itself rich, yet cannot honor its basic international obligations, wants to lecture others on leadership? This is not ambition, it is national disgrace.
The Congolese candidate is without a serious program; and it is one fronted by a state that does not pay its dues and cannot manage its own affairs, does not stand a chance.
Instead of copying Rwanda out of spite, Kinshasa should focus on doing better governing better, paying its debts, securing its territory, and restoring dignity to its institutions. International respect is not claimed, it is built.
ellenkampire