Louise Mushikiwabo

Louise Mushikiwabo (born 22 May 1961) is the fourth and current Secretary General of Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. She previously served as the Minister of Foreign AffaInternationaleirs and Cooperation of Rwanda from 2009 to 2018. She also served as Government Spokesperson. She had previously been Minister of Information. Her father was Bitsindinkumi, from the Batsobe clan; Bitsindinkumi worked as a farmer, managing the family's smallholding as well as working as bookkeeper for a colonial coffee plantation. Her mother was Nyiratulira, a first cousin of the Abiru philosopher and historian Alexis Kagame. She spent her childhood in Kigali. The youngest of nine children, her siblings included Lando Ndasingwa, who became a notable businessman and politician in Rwanda before being killed in 1994 during the Rwandan genocide, and Anne-Marie Kantengwa, who took over Lando's hotel Chez Lando after his death and served in the Parliament of Rwanda from 2003 to 2008. After completing primary and secondary school in Kigali, Mushikiwabo went to study at the National University of Rwanda (currently University of Rwanda), in the southern city of Butare, in 1981. She graduated from university in 1984, with a bachelor's degree in English, and then worked briefly as a secondary school teacher. In 1986, she emigrated from Rwanda to the United States, where she began studying for a master's degree in Languages and Interpretation at the University of Delaware, with French as her specialist language. Upon finishing her studies in 1988, she remained in the United States, settling in the Washington, D.C. area. She started her career working for lobbying organisations, before taking a position with the African Development Bank (ADB); as part of her role with the ADB she lived in Tunisia for a short time, and eventually became the bank's Communications Director. In 2006, Mushikiwabo wrote a book, Rwanda Means the Universe, which was co-authored by Jack Kramer, an American journalist and ex-marine. The book is semi-autobiographical, describing Mushikiwabo's family history, her early life in Rwanda, and her experiences upon emigrating to the United States. It also describes the Rwandan genocide in detail, from a historical perspective as well as from Mushikwabo's own point of view living in Washington, as she received the news that many of her family members had been killed. Quotes Anti-French sentiment, increasingly visible in Africa, is a sign of the times. After running for a second term as head of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), which held its 18th summit on November 19 and 20, in Djerba, Tunisia.Says Louise Le Monde (November 19, 2022) Last month Rwanda Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Louise Mushikiwabo spoke at the Wilson Center on a wide-ranging set of issues, from the country’s development successes to the prominent role women have played in post-genocide society. [Mushikiwabo said Rwanda should be judged on its own terms, given the trauma of the 1994 genocide.] Newsecurity Beat(May 25,2016) Ladies and gentlemen, let’s continue to feel empowered to become active participants in the political and economic transformation of our countries in particular, and the continent in general. Let me again put it this way: I don’t know anybody who betrays a country that gets rewarded, An opening speech by Minister Louise Mushikiwabo at the African Peer Review Mechanism 15th Anniversary Launch Event Aljazeera (June 10, 2016) I think that sentiment of ambition and moving forward has to do with the thirst to live to the fullest. Francphonie has benefits for all in East Africa The East African (October 29, 2018) As long as countries wave chequebooks over our heads, we can never be equal. Mushikiwabo hits Western powers IGIHE (July 28, 2012) Rwanda is in the unique position of having temporary stewardship of arguably both the most influential English and French speaking organization in the world. Rwanda’s multilingual status creates opportunity as business hub for Africa The New Times (December 5, 2022) As long as countries wave chequebooks over our heads, we can never be equal. Use our intelligence to manage that of artificial intelligence- President Kagame. Mushikiwabo hits Western powers #WEF16 #DavosOn410 (January 21, 2016) Rwanda Has Had to Make Extremely Difficult Choices. Speech at Wilson center | New Security Beat (May 25, 2016) she said Choices were made because there was no alternative and because the country had to move on and move forward… We were basically a broken nation. speech at the Wilson Center | New Security Beat (May 25, 2016) Unfortunately most westerners form their opinions of Africa based on the reporting and news in their own countries 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. Taarifa (November 5, 2018) When you choose to be a dog, you die like a dog. network.aljazeera.net (June 9, 2016) 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. police.gov.rw (April 14, 2021) I think that sentiment of ambition and moving forward has to do with the thirst to live to the fullest. entrepreneurs.ng When we say that life is full of surprises, it is real. entrepreneurs.ng I think that sentiment of ambition and moving forward has to do with the thirst to live to the fullest. entrepreneurs.ng Our choice is not to have politicians fight – our choice is to keep going. entrepreneurs.ng The French language has no complex when compared to English, But the world today is such that it is beneficial to those who speak French to speak other languages, We go much further with more languages, We are more fortunate in employment and training with more languages. entrepreneurs.ng English is today the language of Silicon Valley, of technology, of research, of social networks. entrepreneurs.ng Human rights are not reserved for some countries and not for others. These are aspirations that everyone has. There are always improvements to be made in rights and freedoms. entrepreneurs.ng Rebuilding Rwanda One Policy at a Time. * “It is about knowing the size of your budget, because some people go overboard to the point of running out of funds, leaving them unable to carry out other planned activities. When you want a nice wedding, you plan according to your means... Those with limited resources might just hold a civil ceremony, while others keep the cost under a million.” konnectafrica.net (November 27, 2013) As we all know, implementing good governance principles is not simply about designing good institutional and policy reforms for our systems, but more importantly the capacity to assess and evaluate our performance for continuous improvement. when she talks about wedding in rwanda Opening speech|//www.minaffet.gov.rw/updates/news-details/an-opening-speech-by-minister-louise-mushikiwabo-at-the-african-peer-review-mechanism-15th-anniversary-launch-event/ Opening speechDocs and mediaminaffet.org The most important thing for us is that this region can find peace. Louise Mushikiwabo: ‘French losing ground in international bodies’ The Africa Report (October 1, 2024) create, innovate and do business in French. Louise Mushikiwabo: ‘French losing ground in international bodies’ The Africa Report (October 1, 2024) I think you should learn from us how not to lose our culture and do a few good things. If you want the children, we also love them, how can we do that" **(igihe,14 September 2025) "I want to continue because I love what I do and I believe I still have a lot to contribute to the OIF,” Mushikiwabo talks priorities in Francophonie rebid News Times (February 11, 2026) "My first term was a period of transformation and internal governance reforms, cut in half by the Covid-19 pandemic, which paradoxically allowed us to restructure certain aspects of the organisation,” Mushikiwabo talks priorities in Francophonie rebid News Times (February 11, 2026) I have sought to reduce the North-South divide that too often creates sterile tensions in multilateral diplomacy Mushikiwabo talks priorities in Francophonie rebidNews Times (February 11,2026) I am profoundly African, obviously Rwandan—I haven’t change Mushikiwabo talks priorities in Francophonie rebidNews Times (February 11,2026) I am profoundly African, obviously Rwandan—I haven’t changed Seeking Third Term, Rwanda’s Mushikiwabo Outlines Her Vision for La FrancophonieNews Times (July 1, 2026) Buri matora agira abayarwanya, ndetse hari abayakoresha nk’amahirwe yo kugera ku nyungu zabo za politike. Birumvikana iyi kandidatire ntivugwaho rumwe muri RDC, kandi ibyo ntibyatunguranye. Uku kuyirwanya nari nakubonye, ariko ni bimwe mu bigize umukino.” Tshisekedi ntagishaka ko duhura- Louise MushikiwaboUmuryango(Wednesday 11, Feb 2026) “Rwanda… has its own way of doing things.” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/6/10/rwandas-louise-mushikiwabo-denies-rights-abuse-claims? “Rwanda is not going away. We’re not going anywhere.” https://www.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/gov_user_upload/2021.04.19_MUSE_REPORT.pdf? “The situation… is reversible. It can be stopped.” https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8qz7rd? “Africa… should not condone a Head of State who holds his own people in contempt.” https://au.int/sites/default/files/newsevents/workingdocuments/26458-wd-introduction_to_new_threats_to_peace_and_security_in_africa_final.pdf? “When people make wrong choices then they have to live with the consequences.” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/6/10/rwandas-louise-mushikiwabo-denies-rights-abuse-claims? “They have become cab drivers, they have become mechanics, they have become Cabinet members,” https://womensenews.org/2003/11/women-take-lead-reconstruction-rwanda/ I often say, and it is not a joke, that poetry is not incompatible with prosperity,” https://www.topafricanews.com/2026/07/01/louise-mushikiwabo-pitches-modernization-economic-growth-and-ai-for-oif-in-bid-for-new-mandate/ "Our organisation must be better equipped to make precise diagnoses and remain agile in this time of competition and scarcity of financial resources for the multilateral world,” Mushikiwabo pledges to make Francophonie 'more influential, better governed' NewTimes (July 02, 2026) "I have been solicited by several countries that have asked me to consider campaigning. I was very touched and honoured by the request of our member states,” Rwanda backs Mushikiwabo for third term at Francophonie newTimes ( January 12, 2026) “Yes, I am a candidate. My country has submitted my file for re-election. It is a serious race, and I know there are many capable Francophone leaders who could lead this organization,” Mushikiwabo joins race for second OIF term as contest heats up Umunota (March20,2026) “It is a highly contested position. We expect several candidates. Submissions will close on May 15,” Mushikiwabo joins race for second OIF term as contest heats up Umunota (March20,2026) “I want to continue serving you,” Seeking Third Term, Rwanda’s Mushikiwabo Outlines Her Vision for La Francophonie KT PRESS (July1,2026) “I love what I do, and this is a good moment for our organization.” Seeking Third Term, Rwanda’s Mushikiwabo Outlines Her Vision for La Francophonie KT PRESS (July1,2026) "I love what I do, and this is a good time for our organisation.” Mushikiwabo pledges to make Francophonie 'more influential, better governed' newTimes (July2,2026) "Our organisation must be better equipped to make precise diagnoses and remain agile in this time of competition and scarcity of financial resources for the multilateral world,” Mushikiwabo pledges to make Francophonie 'more influential, better governed' newTimes (July2,2026) "Artificial intelligence is not a subject among others,” Mushikiwabo pledges to make Francophonie 'more influential, better governed' newTimes (July2,2026) "It is a transversal dimension of all our actions for the years to come.” Mushikiwabo pledges to make Francophonie 'more influential, better governed' newTimes (July2,2026) "The budget has been stabilised, but stabilising is not enough," Mushikiwabo pledges to make Francophonie 'more influential, better governed' newTimes (July2,2026) "Behind every challenge, there are immense opportunities,” Mushikiwabo pledges to make Francophonie 'more influential, better governed' newTimes (July2,2026) The youth will be at the centre of my action. Louise Mushikiwabo: "At the OIF, youth will be at the heart of my work.". Lemonde (October 5, 2026) I am amazed by how much women have transformed Rwanda. https://giwps.wordpress.com/2014/10/02/women-can-transform-a-nation-a-discussion-with-her-excellency-louise-mushikiwabo-foreign-affairs-cooperation-minister-of-the-republic-of-rwanda/?. GIWPS (October 5, 2026) “Because Kinshasa doesn’t invite me. If the Congolese invite me, I will go there. I know how important the DRC is for our organisation,” ‘Kinshasa Doesn’t Invite Me’- Says OIF’s Mushikiwabo taarifa.rw (February 11, 2026) “In fact, it is among the very first beneficiaries of the programmes set up by the OIF, in terms of budget for education and culture, peace and the promotion of gender,” ‘Kinshasa Doesn’t Invite Me’- Says OIF’s Mushikiwabo taarifa.rw (February 11, 2026) “Because Kinshasa doesn’t invite me. If the Congolese invite me, I will go there.” ‘Kinshasa Doesn’t Invite Me’- Says OIF’s Mushikiwabo taarifa.rw (February 11, 2026) “I know how important the DRC is for our organisation.” ‘Kinshasa Doesn’t Invite Me’- Says OIF’s Mushikiwabo taarifa.rw (February 11, 2026) “I am not afraid of the vote.” ‘Kinshasa Doesn’t Invite Me’- Says OIF’s Mushikiwabo taarifa.rw (February 11, 2026) “I have reasons to believe that I have support.” ‘Kinshasa Doesn’t Invite Me’- Says OIF’s Mushikiwabo taarifa.rw (February 11, 2026) “Young people do not necessarily want to replace older people; rather, they want to be heard.” https://www.kigalitoday.com/amakuru/mu-rwanda/article/urubyiruko-ntirusaba-gusimbura-abakuze-rurasaba-kumvwa-louise-mushikiwabo?” KIgali today (18 September 2026) “It would be a lie to say that we will do everything young people say. It is impossible.” https://www.kigalitoday.com/amakuru/mu-rwanda/article/urubyiruko-ntirusaba-gusimbura-abakuze-rurasaba-kumvwa-louise-mushikiwabo?” KIgali today (18 September 2026) “The most important thing is employment.” https://www.kigalitoday.com/amakuru/mu-rwanda/article/urubyiruko-ntirusaba-gusimbura-abakuze-rurasaba-kumvwa-louise-mushikiwabo?” KIgali today (18 September 2026) “The second is education, especially quality education.” https://www.kigalitoday.com/amakuru/mu-rwanda/article/urubyiruko-ntirusaba-gusimbura-abakuze-rurasaba-kumvwa-louise-mushikiwabo?” KIgali today (18 September 2026) “The third is environmental protection.” https://www.kigalitoday.com/amakuru/mu-rwanda/article/urubyiruko-ntirusaba-gusimbura-abakuze-rurasaba-kumvwa-louise-mushikiwabo?” KIgali today (18 September 2026) “I would like nothing more.” Mushikiwabo wants three Sahel states to return to Francophonie Radio Salus (September 26, 2026) “I would very much like these states to return to the family.” Mushikiwabo wants three Sahel states to return to Francophonie Radio Salus (September 26, 2026) “I am not afraid of the vote.” Mushikiwabo wants three Sahel states to return to Francophonie Radio Salus (September 26, 2026) “It is an organisation that shows it has reached sufficient maturity.” Mushikiwabo wants three Sahel states to return to Francophonie Radio Salus (September 26, 2026) After seven years at the head of the OIF, I respond in the only way that holds up: with facts.” Portrait: Louise Mushikiwabo, Francophonie in action elleafriquefrancophone.com (September7,2026) “An institution like ours must be accountable, and produce concrete results in the lives of citizens.” Portrait: Louise Mushikiwabo, Francophonie in action elleafriquefrancophone.com (September7,2026) “African women nourish the continent.” Portrait: Louise Mushikiwabo, Francophonie in action elleafriquefrancophone.com (September7,2026) “I don’t need anyone to prove to me that women are capable.” Portrait: Louise Mushikiwabo, Francophonie in action elleafriquefrancophone.com (September7,2026) “Being a woman is not a merit in itself.” Portrait: Louise Mushikiwabo, Francophonie in action elleafriquefrancophone.com (September7,2026) “An educated girl is a path toward the future.” Portrait: Louise Mushikiwabo, Francophonie in action elleafriquefrancophone.com (September7,2026) “It is an entire society that moves forward.” Portrait: Louise Mushikiwabo, Francophonie in action elleafriquefrancophone.com (September7,2026) “I am a completely confident Francophone.” Portrait: Louise Mushikiwabo, Francophonie in action elleafriquefrancophone.com (September7,2026) “Several languages are several windows opened onto others.” Portrait: Louise Mushikiwabo, Francophonie in action elleafriquefrancophone.com (September7,2026) “French was ‘my childhood love’.” Portrait: Louise Mushikiwabo, Francophonie in action elleafriquefrancophone.com (September7,2026) “My first term was devoted to the reforms and changes that were necessary.” FACING AFRICA – Louise MUSHIKIWABO, Secretary General of the International Organisation of the Francophonie – Rwanda: “My first term was dedicated to the necessary reforms and changes.” africa24tv.com ( October4,2026) External links Category:Women politicians in Rwanda Category:1961 births Category:Living people Category:Women born in the 1960s Category:Government ministers of Rwanda Category:Women diplomats