Three months from the Yerevan summit, where the new secretary general of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF) will be elected on October 11 and 12, the campaign continues for Michaëlle Jean, the incumbent President and her opponent, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, Louise Mushikiwabo.
During an interview with Radio-Canada that took place Wednesday, 11th July, Canadian Michaëlle Jean claimed that she personally knew Mushikiwabo who, according to her, “had been Rwanda’s ambassador to Canada”.
“She showed me her credentials while I was still Governor General in Canada,” she added.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2009, Louise Mushikiwabo has never been Rwanda’s ambassador to Canada. At the time when Michaelle Jean was Governor General (2005-2010), Edda Mukabagwiza, now a member of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), was the representative of Rwanda in Ottawa.
{{Michaëlle Jean’s false claims slammed by Tweeps
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Few hours after being released, the video of the Interview went viral on Social Media, where some people criticized Jean’s wrong claims on Mushikiwabo.
A tweep who goes by Sharangabo wrote “It is very Sad. Michaëlle Jean, Mrs Louise Mushikiwabo was never Rwanda’s Ambassador in Canada or anywhere else on Earth.”
Another tweep who goes by Oria K. Itegeri said “It is really sad… and hilarious on another side. And the way she contradicted herself saying ‘I am not in competition’.”
“This showed me that the journalist was not well-informed about Mushikiwabo either for she would have corrected her”, said Mireille (@M_Musaniwabo)
Meanwhile, Louise Mushikiwabo on Wednesday officially submitted her candidature for the position of Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
The organization, to which Rwanda subscribes, brings together French-speaking countries across the world.
Among her ideals, Mushikiwabo seeks to prioritize peace, security and promotion of the youth among others.
She is currently on a campaign trail across various OIF member countries.
In support of her candidature, President Paul Kagame officially wrote to all African states who are members of the organization requesting them to back the Rwandan candidate. She also has been shown support by French President Emmanuel Macron who wields great influence in la Francophonie and pays the largest portion of its bills.
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