It is neither within the mandate, nor the role, nor the responsibilities of the Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to take the place of political leaders in governing their countries.

By targeting the current Secretary-General because of her nationality, when her performance should be assessed on the basis of her competence and record, Congolese leaders are once again seeking a scapegoat for their country’s difficulties. While some of these difficulties have their roots in a poorly managed decolonisation process, that legacy cannot absolve political leaders of their own responsibilities.

The OIF’s missions include promoting the French language, cooperation and the shared values of the French-speaking world. It can support its member states, but it cannot take responsibility for resolving their socioeconomic and political problems on their behalf. Yet Congolese authorities tend to raise their domestic difficulties in a wide range of international forums, whether devoted to politics, economics, climate or natural resources, sometimes at the expense of the meetings’ actual purpose. This constant search for external solutions cannot serve as a substitute for national policy.

No international organisation can, on its own, resolve the DRC’s internal problems. External partners can provide assistance, but the primary responsibility rests with the Congolese people, particularly their leaders. It is for them to take the bull by the horns and undertake the reforms needed to meet their people’s aspirations in a lasting way.