The Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) will place its weight behind ongoing mediation efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo has said, following a recent diplomatic mission to Kinshasa, Kigali, and Lomé. She emphasized that supporting dialogue among member states is now the organisation’s priority as violence continues to grip the region.
Several Francophone countries remain affected by instability, including Haiti, parts of the Caribbean, and eastern DRC.
The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified, with Kinshasa accusing Rwanda of backing the armed group AFC/M23, allegations Rwanda rejects, insisting instead that the DRC government supports the FDLR, a génocidaire militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
OIF Chooses to Back Dialogue Efforts
Speaking at a press briefing following the OIF Ministerial Meeting on Foreign Affairs on November 20, Mushikiwabo was asked about the organisation’s role in addressing conflicts among its member states, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
She stated that OIF has chosen to align itself with existing mediation structures, noting that several countries involved in these initiatives are also members of the Francophonie.
She explained that OIF dispatched a fact-finding mission to the DRC, Rwanda, and Togo to meet the parties involved and evaluate possible actions the organisation could take. “Many countries have taken part in seeking a solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. But after the discussions and after receiving the mission report, we at OIF decided to support the mediators who have already been designated to work toward a resolution,” Mushikiwabo said.
Qatar, Togo, and Washington at the Center of Mediation
The talks between the DRC government and AFC/M23 are being facilitated by Qatar, while separate discussions involving Rwanda and the DRC are taking place in Washington, with Qatar and Togo participating as observers.
Mushikiwabo welcomed the involvement of these Francophonie member states. “We support the member countries that are engaged in seeking a solution to the conflict,” she added.
Awaiting Kagame Tshisekedi Meeting in Washington
A date has yet to be set for the anticipated meeting between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in Washington, where they are expected to sign a bilateral economic cooperation agreement. The deal would reinforce the peace accord reached between Kigali and Kinshasa on June 27, 2025.
M23 DRC Commit to Foundational Principles in Qatar Talks
During the Qatar-led negotiations, the DRC government and AFC/M23 signed a framework of eight foundational principles on November 15. According to the armed group, these principles aim to address the root causes of the conflict.
Each principle will be negotiated separately, guided by a timetable for discussions on each thematic area.
AFC/M23 said that once all issues highlighted in the principles are resolved, both sides will move toward signing a comprehensive peace agreement.
