In the world of global leaders, some people stand out because of their strength, intelligence, and clear vision. Louise Mushikiwabo, who leads the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), is one such person.
Her journey from Rwanda to a top international job shows how much good a strong leader can do. Her story is not just about her own success, but also a source of hope for many people, especially women in Africa and around the world.
Born in Kigali in 1961, Louise was the youngest of nine children. Her early life was shaped by Rwanda’s difficult past. She studied English at the National University of Rwanda and later got a Master’s degree in Languages and Interpretation from the University of Delaware in the United States. These studies helped her become the skilled diplomat she is today.
She lived in the United States for over twenty years, working in different jobs, including as Communications Director for the African Development Bank. In 2008, President Paul Kagame asked her to come back home to Rwanda.
Her return was a big moment for Rwanda’s government. She was made Minister of Information and quickly showed herself to be a smart and effective public speaker, handling tricky media situations and international issues.
From 2009 to 2018, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, she became known as a powerful diplomat. During this time, Rwanda became more active on the world stage, even serving on the UN Security Council from 2013 to 2014. There, Mushikiwabo played a big part in talks about solving conflicts and improving how the African Union works. She strongly spoke up for women’s rights, gender equality, and bringing people together after difficult times, issues that are very personal to her because of Rwanda’s history.
Her influence grew even more in 2018 when she was chosen to be the Secretary-General of the OIF. This organization promotes the French language and connects 88 French-speaking countries and governments worldwide. All the leaders agreed on her, showing her ability to bring people together globally.
She was re-elected for a second term in November 2022. Avance Media, which put her on their 2023 list of the “100 Most Influential African Women,” said, “Her exceptional journey, marked by diplomatic prowess and leadership, positions her as a trailblazer among influential African women.”
Under her guidance, the OIF has focused on important goals: promoting the French language and different cultures, working for peace, democracy, human rights, and supporting education and lasting development. She has actively used the OIF’s resources to help build peace in places like Burundi, Guinea, and the Central African Republic. She has also been key in making election processes stronger through various support programs.
Louise Mushikiwabo’s way of leading comes from a strong belief in Africa’s ability to act on its own and a dedication to telling the continent’s own story. She famously said, “I think more and more Africa is waking up the fact that you can only be limited by your ideas not by the size of your country or by the level of [resources].” This idea challenges old beliefs and encourages Africans to lead their own development.
She is also known for being direct and honest in international talks. She once stated, “I don’t mind if you hold me accountable for what I am doing, but you must be able to listen. There is no such power that people have that they should not be able to listen to others.
We are expected to swallow what we are told without chewing. In our culture, we chew before swallowing.” These words show her principled leadership. Her book, “Rwanda Means the Universe,” written with Jack Kramer, gives deep insights into her life and Rwanda’s journey of healing.
Many people have praised her leadership and impact, which was highlighted more after her OIF election in 2022. Mo Ibrahim, a prominent Sudanese-British businessman, remarked, “Congratulations to my sister Minister Louise Mushikiwabo on being elected as the new Secretary-General. Louise’s focus on tackling youth unemployment and exchanging governance practices will indeed be addressing some pressing issues facing many African countries.”
Even President Paul Kagame shared his strong support, saying, “Whenever Africa has come together, we have always won. I saw unity in the African leaders, especially of the Francophonie part of Africa, all agreeing that Louise is the right candidate and we are going to put our weight behind her.”
And Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, celebrated her election with an encouraging message: “Go Louise Mushikiwabo, pretty ‘Imbuto’ from the land of the ancestors, go, girl from Africa! Continue to carry high the torch ‘Agaciro’, in the heart of the Francophonie!”
Beyond her official roles, Mushikiwabo is active in global discussions as a member of the Africa Europe Foundation and the Advisory Council of the Munich Security Conference. Her work there helps shape Africa’s international relationships and security discussions. Her entire journey shows great strength, smart thinking, and a deep dedication to serving the public.
