At a press briefing, First President of the Supreme Court Fode Bangoura officially announced Doumbouya’s election to a seven-year presidential term in accordance with the Constitution.
According to data previously released by Guinea’s General Directorate of Elections, about 6.8 million voters were registered for the election. Voter turnout was initially announced at 80.95 percent and later revised by the Supreme Court to 82.86 percent.
The presidential election marks a significant step in Guinea’s efforts to restore constitutional order. In September 2021, then-President Alpha Conde was overthrown in a military coup, after which a transitional government led by Doumbouya assumed power.
In September this year, Guinea adopted a new constitution through a nationwide referendum and announced that the presidential election would be held on Dec. 28. The new constitution lifted restrictions on junta members running for office and extended the presidential term from five to seven years, clearing the way for Doumbouya’s candidacy.
Throughout the election period, the overall situation across the country remained stable, with no major security incidents reported. Guinean political figures, electoral authorities, as well as domestic and international observers said the voting process was largely calm and orderly and that the organization of the election broadly complied with relevant legal procedures.
According to the official website of the Guinean presidency, Doumbouya, 41, was born on Dec. 5, 1984, in Kankan, northeastern Guinea.
In a post on X, which has since been deleted, Minister Bizimana alleged that Qatar was using its influence and financial resources to dissuade the United States from taking action against Rwanda, which he accused of violating a Washington-brokered agreement.
“It is important to stress Qatar’s negative role using its influence and cash to dissuade US from taking action,” Bizimana wrote on Sunday.
The post sparked immediate backlash, prompting Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye to intervene.
In a statement on X, President Ndayishimiye emphasised Burundi’s appreciation for Qatar’s longstanding bilateral relations and mediation role in the DRC.
“It is important to clarify any misunderstanding & wrong statement regarding Qatar’s contribution in development and peacebuilding,” he wrote.
Responding to the clarification, Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, acknowledged President Ndayishimiye’s retraction and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
“Guided by its principled approach, the State of Qatar remains steadfast in its commitment to peacebuilding, mediation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and will continue to engage constructively with all partners in support of stability and lasting peace,” Al-Khulaifi said in a post on X.
In recent days, Burundi and the DRC have heightened their accusations that Rwanda is supporting the AFC/M23 rebel alliance in eastern DRC and have called on the international community to impose sanctions on Kigali. Rwanda has rejected the allegations, insisting that sanctions cannot resolve the problems affecting the Congolese people, for whom the conflict is primarily a local issue.
Analysts note that Minister Bizimana’s deleted remarks targeting Qatar reflect internal political pressures and the stance of the government he represents, even as President Ndayishimiye sought to calm the situation and repair the diplomatic fallout.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum and focused on advancing the traditionally friendly relations between Moscow and Kigali. According to officials, discussions centred on identifying practical ways to expand mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in trade, economic engagement and humanitarian affairs.
Both sides also reiterated their shared resolve to deepen political dialogue and enhance coordination within the United Nations and other multilateral fora in addressing global and regional challenges.
Opening the talks, Lavrov said the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum had evolved into a key platform for engagement since its establishment following the Russia–Africa Summit. He described the forum as more than an organisational framework, noting that it provides a convenient space for consultations on regional issues as well as bilateral relations.
“We value our warm relations with Rwanda,” Lavrov said, expressing hope for a productive exchange on bilateral ties alongside regional and international matters.
Nduhungirehe welcomed the discussions, describing the meeting as constructive and expressing satisfaction with the growing Russia–Africa Partnership Forum. He said the talks provided an opportunity to review the “excellent bilateral cooperation” between the two countries and to explore ways of further expanding it.
The two ministers also discussed the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with Nduhungirehe thanking Russia for its continued support of ongoing peace processes.
In line with broader Russia–Rwanda cooperation, Rwanda plans to establish a nuclear research centre in collaboration with Russia by 2030. The centre is expected to focus on producing radioactive materials for cancer diagnosis and treatment, improving agriculture through radiation technologies, and advancing industrial testing methods. Additionally, Rwanda is preparing to host Africa’s first demonstration of a Dual Fluid nuclear reactor and is exploring small modular reactor (SMR) technology to sustainably meet the country’s growing energy demands.
Beyond bilateral issues, Nduhungirehe, while speaking during the ministerial conference, highlighted Rwanda’s appreciation of Russia’s consistent support for a more just and representative international system. He referred to the African Union’s flagship Agenda 2063 initiative, Silencing the Guns, noting that the goal of ending conflicts on the continent remains unrealised.
“We believe it is high time for African countries and the AU to reflect on the root causes of conflicts in order to provide sustainable solutions,” he said.
The Second Ministerial Conference in Cairo builds on earlier engagements, including the first ministerial meeting held in Sochi in November 2024 and the Second Russia–Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in July 2023. The meetings laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation across security, diplomacy and development.
The ceremony, held at the newly inaugurated United States Institute of Peace, brought together US President Donald Trump, President Paul Kagame, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, African leaders, and diplomats from around the world.
The accord formalises commitments first outlined in June, including a permanent ceasefire, disarmament of non-state armed groups, the return of refugees, and mechanisms for accountability for atrocities committed in eastern Congo. Trump hailed the moment as “a great day for Africa, a great day for the world, and a great day for these two countries.”
But while Thursday’s signing was historic, an interview recorded with President Kagame ahead of the signing ceremony offers a deeper and more cautious view of what lies ahead.
{{Nothing like this before
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Speaking to Al Jazeera’s Steve Clemons, Kagame said the US-led initiative marked an unprecedented level of focus and political weight behind attempts to resolve the Rwanda–DRC conflict.
“We have never had anything like this, where there is focus, there is attention, to this level, where the two leaders of Rwanda and the DRC meet the President of the United States, who has paid attention to this problem,” Kagame said.
“The visibility, energy, maybe pressure, it has never been like this before.”
For Kagame, the strength of the accord lies in its three-pillar design: political, security, and economic. These components, he said, “capture everything” required to address the root causes of instability, though implementation remains the difficult part.
Asked what distinguishes the Trump administration’s engagement, Kagame contrasted traditional Western rhetoric on democracy and human rights with what he described as Trump’s more results-oriented posture.
“You have the theory of democracy, human rights, but in practice, people’s lives don’t improve,” Kagame argued.
“Then you have the other, which focuses on some tangible things, if it is trade, different economic interests, how they translate into improvements of people’s lives, and focusing on the real things… I think, in my personal opinion and experience from our own situation, I prefer the latter.”
President Kagame emphasised that African governments must ultimately shoulder responsibility for their own governance and peace, saying he does not want to “blame others” for Africa’s unresolved problems.
He also acknowledged Qatar’s role in mediating the conflict, particularly in the dispute between M23 and the DRC government.
Kagame clarified that it was President Tshisekedi, not Rwanda, who requested that aspects of the mediation be moved to Doha.
“People were blaming Rwanda for leaving African initiatives and going to Qatar or Washington. But it was Tshisekedi who initiated that,” Kagame said.
He accused the Congolese leader of hoping to manipulate both the Washington and Doha processes “in his favour,” but said the separation ultimately sharpened the negotiations.
Kagame credited Qatar for its continued “availability and resources” in facilitating peace efforts across the region.
{{Trust, uncertainty, and the ‘devil in the details’
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With the accord now signed, Clemons pressed Kagame on whether he trusts Tshisekedi to enforce the agreement, given a long history of stalled or reversed commitments.
Kagame was diplomatic but frank: “First things first, we are here, and we are agreeing to sign. That is important. But we have had experiences where DRC has been reaching an agreement with different parties, including ourselves. And the next day, after agreeing, they are saying the opposite. And it has happened not once, not twice, not three times, but more.”
Despite this, Kagame said both the US and Qatar are now invested in monitoring compliance and should be equally vocal if either party deviates from what was agreed.
{{Minerals, geopolitics, and accusations of blame
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The interview also touched on the global scramble for critical minerals, tin, tungsten, tantalum, and lithium, resources that are increasingly strategic to US–China competition.
Kagame dismissed longstanding accusations that Rwanda’s exports originate from Congolese smuggling networks, calling them part of an international “blame game” tied to historical narratives about the region.
“Tungsten, tin, tantalum, all of these exist in Rwanda, and of super quality. What we have has nothing to do with DRC,” Kagame insisted.
He argued that Rwanda’s stability and growth have made it a target for simplified narratives that drag the country into their problems for geopolitical ends.
{{A Nobel Prize for Trump?
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When asked whether President Trump or regional leaders deserved consideration for a future Nobel Peace Prize, Kagame brushed off the idea for himself.
“Others could be considered, not myself. I don’t think I’m there yet.”
Pressed on Trump, Kagame didn’t rule it out.
“Why not? Given what he has done in a short time, trying to stabilise things… But he cannot deliver results alone. If we fail to solve this conflict, you don’t blame the one trying to help.”
He added that Trump’s focus on outcomes rather than rhetoric gives this mediation a stronger chance of success than past attempts.
The ceremony, held at the newly inaugurated United States Institute of Peace, was attended by US President Donald Trump, African leaders, and key international dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, President Trump described the event as “a great day for Africa, a great day for the world, and a great day for these two countries.” He praised the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC for their courage and persistence in bringing the long-running conflict in eastern Congo to a potential close after three decades.
“This compact we are signing today, known as the Washington Accords, formalises the terms agreed to in June, including a permanent ceasefire, disarmament of non-state forces, provisions for refugees to return home, and justice for those who have committed atrocities,” Trump said.
The US Head of State also emphasised the accord’s economic dimension, highlighting the potential for regional economic integration and US investment in the two countries’ mineral wealth.
President Paul Kagame, who spoke after Trump, expressed deep gratitude to all parties involved, singling out President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos for their pivotal roles in creating a space for breakthrough negotiations.
Kagame emphasised that the responsibility for the success of the accord ultimately rests with African nations themselves.
“If this agreement falters and things do not work out as they are supposed to, the responsibility will not lie with President Trump, but with ourselves,” he said. He reassured that Rwanda will play its part decisively:
“It is up to us in Africa, working with our partners, to consolidate and expand this peace. There will be ups and downs on the road ahead. There is no doubt about it. Rwanda, I know, will not be found wanting. I can assure you of that.”
He framed the accord as a clear path toward a prosperous and stable future for Rwanda, emphasising the country’s commitment to security and development after enduring years of tragedy.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi also hailed the accord as a turning point, describing it as more than just a document, but “a framework for regional economic integration and cooperation that finally overcomes the cycle of violence, mistrust, and forced displacement.”
He reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to fully implementing its obligations under the agreement and called for mutual respect and collaboration between the two nations.
The Washington Accord represents not only a formal ceasefire but also a framework for justice, economic cooperation, and regional integration. It aims to dismantle the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who fled to the DRC and have continued to promote genocidal ideology, posing a threat to Rwanda’s security along the border.
The agreement also aims to facilitate refugee returns and create new opportunities for prosperity in both countries.
The signing ceremony was attended by African leaders, including Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, William Ruto of Kenya, João Lourenço of Angola, and Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové of Togo, as well as representatives from Uganda, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the African Union.
Speaking during an interview on Newsmax’s “American Agenda” ahead of Thursday’s signing ceremony, Rwanda government spokesperson Yolande Makolo described the deal as “the best chance for peace, stability, and prosperity that our two countries and the region have.”
She highlighted that the initiative began when the DRC requested U.S. mediation and praised the role of the Trump administration in addressing the root causes of the conflict.
“The Trump administration is focusing on the real obstacles to peace, particularly the security threat posed by militias in Eastern Congo,” Makolo said. “They are also looking at the economic opportunities for both Rwanda and the DRC, including investment from American companies, which is important for regional development.”
The conflict, Makolo told the American cable network, traces back to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, after which perpetrators fled into the DRC and now lead militias, including at least 12 commanders of the FDLR, who continue to pose a security threat to Rwanda.
The spokesperson noted that the security threats have forced Rwanda to defend its borders against incursions by the genocidal militia group for the past 31 years.
Makolo explained that the Washington Accord, which President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi are set to sign at the White House, builds on a preliminary agreement reached in June. The accord provides for the neutralisation of the FDLR, the cessation of border hostilities, and measures to facilitate regional security.
“Some progress has been made since June, but there is still work to be done,” Makolo said. “Ceasefire violations continue, and the DRC government must fulfil its commitments to deal with the genocidal groups before Rwanda can relax its defensive measures.”
In addition to the peace agreement, the two leaders are expected to ratify a Regional Economic Integration Framework that will strengthen cross-border trade and cooperation.
“This is an important step, and we hope to continue U.S. engagement to ensure the process reaches its conclusion,” Makolo said, underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to a lasting resolution.
Gunfire was reported near the presidential palace and the offices of the electoral commission in the capital, Bissau, as tensions escalated following the first round of general elections held over the weekend. Both President Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had claimed victory, even as the official results were yet to be announced.
In an interview with French outlet Jeune Afrique, Embalo confirmed he was arrested around noon along with his Interior Minister Botche Cande, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Gen. Biague Na Ntan, and his deputy Gen. Mamadou Toure. He described the event as a “coup” led by the commander of the land forces, adding that no violence was used against him.
Following the arrests, a group of army officers addressed the nation on state television, announcing the formation of “The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order.” The officers said they would remain in charge of the West African nation until further notice, citing the need to clarify the situation before returning to constitutional order.
Troops from the presidential guard and an elite gendarmerie unit established checkpoints in Bissau, while borders and airspace were temporarily closed. General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, urged citizens to “remain calm,” emphasising that the command was composed of all branches of the armed forces.
Fernando Dias, meanwhile, called on the military to remain neutral and allow the electoral process to continue. “We are not asking for anything,” he told reporters, stating he would wait for the official results, which were expected on Thursday.
Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony with a population of about 2.2 million, has a long history of political instability. Since independence in 1974, the country has witnessed at least four successful coups and numerous attempted ones.
President Embalo, a former army chief, took office in 2020 after winning the 2019 presidential election, becoming the first president elected without the backing of the dominant PAIGC party.
The country had largely peaceful elections on Sunday, with approximately 65% voter turnout, but the political contest was marred by disputes and the barring of some opposition figures. Several senior military officers were arrested in late October over an alleged coup plot.
With this latest upheaval, Guinea-Bissau joins other West African nations, including Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, currently under military rule.
Her remarks come amid long-standing international concern over alleged DRC military support for the group and ongoing instability in the region.
In a recent interview on Al Jazeera, Kayikwamba denied any government support, stating, “We do not. They are Rwandans. They have been on our territory for the past 30 years. They have been preying predominantly on our population, not on the Rwandan population.”
International human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly reported that the DRC has at times supported the FDLR depending on its political relations with Rwanda. When pressed on these accusations, Kayikwamba dismissed them: “It isn’t. You are talking about 2009 when we are in 2025.”
She also sought to downplay the UN Security Council Resolution 2773, adopted in February 2025, which condemned DRC military support for the FDLR and called for its cessation, describing such incidents as isolated cases.
“Well, if there are cases of support to the FDLR, and I think this is the important distinction we need to make, it is not state policy. We are talking about individuals. We are talking about individuals within the army. And when we have evidence of that, we also have mechanisms to hold them accountable and to sanction them,” she said.
Pressed on why the Security Council addressed the Congolese military rather than the individuals allegedly involved, she insisted: “No, because these random members are still part of the army. And so the army is held accountable, and is held accountable to make sure that any behaviour that is not in line with its policy is sanctioned.”
She was taken to task over why the military had to issue a formal communiqué on 10 October 2025, if such cases were truly isolated. The directive warned soldiers not to collaborate with the FDLR, raising questions about how widespread such behaviour really is.
Kayikwamba responded: “We clearly communicate to the public and to our army that any discretion will not be tolerated.”
When asked if FDLR fighters had begun complying with disarmament efforts under the Washington agreement between Rwanda and the DRC signed in June, Kayikwamba said that some are already laying down their arms through the UN programme for reintegrating former combatants into civilian life.
However, the FDLR’s military spokesperson, Lt Col Octavien Mutimura, recently told Radio France Internationale (RFI) that their fighters have no intention of disarming and are prepared to fight if attacked.
“We are here to defend ourselves and protect the abandoned Rwandan refugees. Asking us to lay down our arms without honouring our request is just a dream,” he said.
FDLR fighters remain active across eastern DRC, including the Walikale territory, and continue coordinating with other armed factions in offensives against the AFC/M23 rebel group, which is engaged in conflict with the Kinshasa administration.
Rwanda Defence Forces spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga said in June that the FDLR comprises between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters. This week, the UN repatriated 12 FDLR combatants, highlighting the slow pace of the disarmament process.
This impasse occurred primarily due to a procedural standoff in the Republican-controlled Senate (53–47 majority). Despite Republicans controlling the House, Senate, and the Presidency (Donald Trump), the minority Democratic caucus leveraged the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster rule to block the passage of spending bills.
The core negotiations hinged on a central policy dispute opposed by the Democratic minority: the demand for the inclusion of provisions, specifically the extension of enhanced tax credits for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which are crucial for preventing health insurance premiums from skyrocketing for millions of Americans.
With Republicans firmly rejecting this concession, the funding bill failed, triggering a widespread disruption of critical government services and escalating pressure on citizens and federal agencies.
The consequences of the 43-day shutdown have been immediate and severe across the country. One of the most critical effects has been the disruption and uncertainty surrounding food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), impacting tens of millions of vulnerable Americans.
Beyond social programs, the functionality of the nation was impaired, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facing operational strain that led to cancellations and delays in air travel. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees were either furloughed or forced to work without pay, and many federal services, grant programs, and cultural institutions were paused.
Internationally, the shutdown strained diplomatic relations, raising concerns among key allies about U.S. stability and its ability to maintain continuity in intelligence-sharing and security operations abroad.
As of November 12, 2025, the government remains technically shut down, but a major legislative compromise is moving forward. The Senate secured the passage of a funding package on November 10th by a 60-40 vote, with eight members of the Democratic caucus siding with Republicans to break the filibuster.
This package is designed to fund most of the government through January 30, 2026, and includes three full-year appropriations bills for key agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the USDA/FDA.
The deal also guarantees retroactive pay for furloughed federal workers and reverses mass layoffs initiated during the shutdown. Crucially, the final bill does not include the extension of the ACA tax credits that Democrats had demanded, instead securing only a commitment from the Senate Majority Leader for a separate vote on the issue in December.
The political stakes remain exceptionally high as the legislation now heads to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives for a final vote expected today, Wednesday, November 12. House Democrats have signaled fierce opposition, with their leadership vowing to reject the bill for failing to win any concessions on healthcare.
The inability to resolve the policy issue before agreeing to funding underscores the deep partisan gridlock within U.S. politics. The eventual passage of the bill, which President Trump has already endorsed, would end the longest shutdown in U.S. history, but it simultaneously postpones the core fight over healthcare policy, leaving the credibility of U.S. institutions and the stability of critical social programs hanging in the balance.
Succeeding Antoine Anfré, who served in Kigali for four years, Ambassador Aurélie Royet-Gounin arrives with extensive experience on the African continent, having previously worked in Kenya (2000–2003) and Senegal (2006–2009).
Speaking to IGIHE in an exclusive interview, Royet-Gounin admitted that before her appointment, her knowledge of Rwanda was limited to general impressions.
“I had heard a lot about Rwanda, but had never set foot here,” she said. “Before coming, I met with many people in Paris, from ministries, institutions, and organisations connected to Rwanda, to understand the country better and prepare for the mission.”
Her first impressions were striking. Upon arriving in Rwanda, she said what struck her most was the country’s uniqueness, describing it as “a very distinctive blend” unlike any other she had experienced.
“Every country has its own identity, but here there’s something truly special: the hills, the orderliness, the civility. People are determined, respectful, and remarkably calm,” she added, noting that the atmosphere of safety and courtesy makes life welcoming for a newcomer.
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Royet-Gounin takes office at a delicate but hopeful moment in the relationship between France and Rwanda, still shaped by the legacy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She acknowledges that both sides have had to take difficult steps to rebuild trust.
“Our reconciliation, which culminated in 2021, required introspection from France and great generosity from Rwanda,” she said. “We have reset relations and now focus on mutual trust and cooperation.”
Central to France’s engagement, she said, are memory and justice. France has committed to preserving and teaching the history of Rwanda and the Genocide against the Tutsi through research, memorialisation, and education.
“That includes concrete projects: historical research, the creation of a memorial soon to be inaugurated in Paris, and educational programs in French schools to ensure that students understand and remember,” she said.
But the reconciliation narrative also carries a legal dimension. Over the past decade, France has faced mounting pressure to act against genocide fugitives living on its soil, and recent years have seen significant judicial progress.
Laurent Bucyibaruta, the former governor of Gikongoro, was sentenced in Paris in 2022 to 20 years for complicity in genocide, while Philippe Hategekimana, a former Rwandan gendarme who had obtained French nationality, was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Another case, that of Sosthène Munyemana, a former doctor accused of involvement in killings in Butare, has been on trial since late 2023.
Félicien Kabuga, long considered the “financier” of the genocide, was arrested in 2020 near Paris after 26 years on the run and extradited to The Hague. Though declared unfit to stand trial due to dementia, his arrest remains a significant moment.
“France is firmly committed to fighting impunity,” Royet-Gounin said, emphasising close cooperation between France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office and Rwanda’s Office of the Prosecutor General.
{{Development beyond diplomacy
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Beyond the courtroom and symbolic reconciliation, France’s relationship with Rwanda has become increasingly developmental. The French Development Agency (AFD) has invested heavily in Rwanda since the 2021 relaunch of cooperation.
France pledged €500 million in 2021 and an additional €400 million in 2024 to finance joint projects. These include the rehabilitation of Ruhengeri Hospital, vocational training programs, and youth employment initiatives.
“Health, education, and inclusion through sport are key areas,” Royet-Gounin explained. “We also work on climate resilience, a universal challenge where France and Rwanda share a strong sense of responsibility.”
While large-scale projects dominate the headlines, the ambassador insists that cultural and linguistic collaboration remains crucial. “We continue to promote the French language by training teachers, accrediting bilingual schools, and improving language quality across disciplines,” she said.
{{Humanitarian diplomacy and regional engagement
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Asked about her recent participation in the October 30 humanitarian conference in Paris, co-hosted by France and Togo under the auspices of the African Union, Royet-Gounin described it as a show of solidarity rather than a negotiation platform.
“It was a pledging conference meant to support the peace processes underway, the Rwanda–DRC talks in Washington and the inter-Congolese dialogue in Doha,” she said.
France’s position, she explained, was to “demonstrate that the international community has not forgotten the conflict, the displaced, or the victims.”
The meeting raised €1.5 billion in humanitarian pledges for recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Great Lakes region.
{{Women, the Francophonie, and feminist diplomacy
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The ambassador also previewed the upcoming Francophonie Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kigali, describing it as both symbolic and strategic.
“We are delighted it’s happening in Rwanda, a very active member of the Francophonie under Louise Mushikiwabo’s leadership,” she said.
The summit’s theme, “30 years after the Beijing Conference: the contribution of women in the Francophone space,” reflects France’s focus on feminist diplomacy. Royet-Gounin said the discussions align with ongoing efforts to promote women’s rights, inclusion, and equal participation in peace and security processes, noting the continued relevance of commitments made at the Beijing Conference.
“La Francophonie is not just about language or culture, it’s also an economic and values-based community,” she said, pointing out that by 2050, French speakers will number around 700 million, making it the world’s fifth most spoken language.
{{Listening, learning, and walking Rwanda’s hills
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Despite the dense diplomatic agenda, Ambassador Royet-Gounin said her approach begins with humility and observation. “The wise person is first an ear that listens,” she said, quoting an adage she has adopted as her motto.
She plans to spend her early months meeting people from different walks of life and understanding Rwanda beyond official meetings and reports.
“My job is not only to represent France, but also to understand and convey what we observe and feel,” she said.
“I brought my walking shoes. I fully intend to explore this beautiful country as much as possible,” she added.
