Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DRC Clarifies Statements Regarding La Francophonie

In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) wished to rectify the statements of Oria K. Vande weghe, the Spokesperson for the Secretary General of La Francophonie, who had published a tweeted on Thursday, July 27, 2023, alleging that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie of the DRC was confusing France with the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

The Ministry underlined that the Spokesperson seemed to misunderstand the scope of a note verbale, which in the field of international relations and in diplomatic circles, has the value of an official document and serves as a consecrated method of communication between States and International organisations. The note verbale in question, n°2023-0316704 dated July 19, 2023, was received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie of the DRC from the French Embassy. Contrary to what the Spokesperson suggested, this is not a simple exchange between security officers, but rather the means by which the French Government announced the arrival of the Secretary General of La Francophonie in Kinshasa , as part of the IX Games of La Francophonie.

The Ministry pointed out that the note verbale had been sent by the Embassy of France, under the terms of the headquarters agreement between the OIF and France, and had received the approval of the OIF and the Secretary General of the Francophonie itself. The Democratic Republic of Congo is a full member of the OIF, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie of the DRC is perfectly aware of the rules of operation of the organization and therefore cannot confuse France and the OIF.

The Ministry concluded by recalling the importance of respecting diplomatic protocols and official exchanges between States and international organizations. The DRC remains a committed partner within La Francophonie and will continue to play an active role in the framework of the IX Games of La Francophonie, in accordance with established procedures.

According to the ministry, this clarification aims to clarify the facts and dispel any confusion on the position of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie of the DRC, thus affirming the country’s commitment to La Francophonie and international relations.