KIGALI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda is looking for the Africa Union (AU) endorsement for the top position of La Francophonie (OIF), the international organization representing French speaking countries, Minister of State in the Ministry of foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African community of Rwanda said Friday.
Rwanda has endorsed Louise Mushikiwabo, minister of foreign affairs, for the position of the organization's Secretary General, Nduhungirehe said at a news conference Kigali, capital city of Rwanda.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has written to all member states of OIF to seek support for Mushikiwabo's candidacy, said Nduhungirehe, adding that Rwanda is going to campaign in French language, one of the four official languages in Rwanda.
Nduhungirehe noted that the campaign of the OIF's top job will start by seeking an endorsement of the AU, because the continental body usually endorses candidates in the international system.
"The upcoming AU Summit in Nouakchott, Mauritania will be a great opportunity for that," he added.
Elections for Secretary General will take place in October in the organization's General Assemby to take place in Yerevan, Armenia, according to OIF.
During Kagame's visit in France last month, he emphasized Rwanda's interest in leading the organization. The French president Emmanuel Macron also voiced support to Mushikiwabo's candidacy, describing her as a competent woman to head the organization.
In France, Kagame said that Rwanda has interests in contributing to building new realities of OIF.
The OIF comprises 57 member states and governments, three associate members and twenty observers. Rwanda has been a member of La Francophonie since 1970.
