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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
RFI

'Francophonie of the people': Juliana Lumumba's vision for the French-speaking world

ON JL Patrice Lumumba OIF Congo Africa Gamal Abdel Nasser Belgium Ebola Languages
Juliana Lumumba, former culture minister in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and candidate for secretary-general of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, in the RFI studio on 21 May 2026.
Juliana Lumumba, former culture minister in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and candidate for secretary-general of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, in the RFI studio on 21 May 2026. © Anthony Ravera / RFI

As the daughter of assassinated Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, Juliana Lumumba carries one of Africa’s most powerful political names. Now, the former culture minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo wants to use that legacy to reshape the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), the world’s main French-speaking body.

Four candidates are competing to lead the OIF when member states vote in November 2026.

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