Author: 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞́ 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈
Since this morning, I have been the target of insults for expressing an opinion on Madame Louise Mushikiwabo’s candidacy to lead the OIF.
Let’s be serious and clear-headed.
How many of those insulting me actually watched our candidate, Juliana Lumuba, at the hearing? What struck me was that a large part of her presentation focused on her family history: being the daughter of the hero Patrice Emery Lumumba, having grown up in Egypt, Tunisia, etc. An undeniable historical legacy, certainly, but the Francophonie is not choosing a family lineage; it is choosing a leader based on her vision, her skills and her ability to enhance the institution’s standing.
Even more seriously, some government members and figures involved in its communications have chosen to bolster this candidacy with hostile rhetoric toward Rwanda and attacks on Madame MUSHIKIWABO, even going so far as to threaten to withdraw the DRC from the Francophonie if our candidate loses. Are we serious?
An international candidacy is not won through hatred, threats or sentimentality. It is defended through arguments, a strategic vision, skills and credible diplomacy.
Recognizing Louise MUSHIKIWABO’s qualities in no way means endorsing Rwandan policy. We must distinguish diplomatic issues from political rivalries. Patriotism does not require blindness. The name Lumumba is a legacy, not a sufficient argument for leading an international institution.
Congo needs clear-headedness and diplomacy that delivers results, not diplomacy driven by emotion and invective. Let’s oppose each other with arguments, not insults. You can be deeply attached to your country and refuse to blindly defend all its initiatives. Patriotism does not mean automatically applauding, but also having the courage to face our shortcomings.
I say this clearly: I have no problem with a Congolese candidacy. On the contrary, I want the DRC to shine on the international stage. But that prominence cannot simply be declared; it has to be built. And that starts with the caliber of the people we put forward, the relevance of their plans and the seriousness of our diplomacy.
Since this morning, I have been the target of insults for expressing an opinion on Madame Louise Mushikiwabo’s candidacy to lead the OIF.
Let’s be serious and clear-headed.
How many of those insulting me actually watched our candidate, Juliana Lumuba, at the hearing? What struck me was that a large part of her presentation focused on her family history: being the daughter of the hero Patrice Emery Lumumba, having grown up in Egypt, Tunisia, etc. An undeniable historical legacy, certainly, but the Francophonie is not choosing a family lineage; it is choosing a leader based on her vision, her skills and her ability to enhance the institution’s standing.
Even more seriously, some government members and figures involved in its communications have chosen to bolster this candidacy with hostile rhetoric toward Rwanda and attacks on Madame MUSHIKIWABO, even going so far as to threaten to withdraw the DRC from the Francophonie if our candidate loses. Are we serious?
An international candidacy is not won through hatred, threats or sentimentality. It is defended through arguments, a strategic vision, skills and credible diplomacy.
Recognizing Louise MUSHIKIWABO’s qualities in no way means endorsing Rwandan policy. We must distinguish diplomatic issues from political rivalries. Patriotism does not require blindness. The name Lumumba is a legacy, not a sufficient argument for leading an international institution.
Congo needs clear-headedness and diplomacy that delivers results, not diplomacy driven by emotion and invective. Let’s oppose each other with arguments, not insults. You can be deeply attached to your country and refuse to blindly defend all its initiatives. Patriotism does not mean automatically applauding, but also having the courage to face our shortcomings.
I say this clearly: I have no problem with a Congolese candidacy. On the contrary, I want the DRC to shine on the international stage. But that prominence cannot simply be declared; it has to be built. And that starts with the caliber of the people we put forward, the relevance of their plans and the seriousness of our diplomacy.
