President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame joined the rest of the world in welcoming Minister Louise Mushikiwabo’s unanimous victory as the new Secretary General of La Francophonie with pride. Mushikiwabo’s election at the helm of the 84-nation bloc took place on Friday during the 17th OIF summit in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Her win follows months on the campaign trail that took her to different countries across the world. Mushikiwabo will take over from Canadian national Michaëlle Jean, who has led the body since 2014. President Kagame described Mushikiwabo’s victory as “historic” for Rwandans and Africans who unanimously fronted her as a single candidate. He thanked the African countries for the support and other member states for backing Rwanda’s candidate. Merci infiniment à tous nos frères et sœurs africains qui nous ont soutenu et à tous les pays à travers toute la Francophonie qui ont placé leur confiance dans notre candidate. (1/2) — Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) October 12, 2018 This, he added, is an historic moment for Rwandans and Africans in general, saying that this only demonstrates that there are no insurmountable challenges for a united and determined Africa. Cest un moment historique pour nous tous, Rwandais et Africains, qui démontre une fois de plus, quil ny a pas de défis insurmontables face à une Afrique unie et déterminée. Toutes mes félicitations à toi, Louise Mushikiwabo.(2/2) #Francophonie #SommetEVN2018 — Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) October 12, 2018 On her part, the First Lady urged Mushikiwabo to carry on her new duties with the Rwandan Agaciro, which she urged her to inculcate in the Francophonie community. Va @LMushikiwabo, jolie Imbuto du pays des ancêtres, va, fille dAfrique! Continue à porter haut le flambeau Agaciro, au cœur de la Francophonie! -JK. — First Lady of Rwanda (@FirstLadyRwanda) October 12, 2018 While responding to First Lady’s comment, Mushikiwabo said that Mrs Kagame’s message was an “ointment to a soul that was full on emotions”. She said that the message from the First Lady brought great relief at the end of a very busy day; one that she said was full of emotions. Mushikiwabo also commended those that supported her through her journey to winning the Francophone top post. #SommetEVN18 Jexprime ma profonde gratitude à tous ceux qui mont soutenu dans cette belle aventure, jusquau Secrétariat Général de la #Francophonie2018! Aux dirigeants africains et non- africains qui mont porté aujourdhui à la tête de notre organisation: mille fois merci! — Louise Mushikiwabo (@LMushikiwabo) October 12, 2018
