Kinshasa, May 5th, 2026 (CPA) – The candidacy of Juliana Lumumba for the Democratic Republic of Congo for the position of Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) has been supported by writer André Bekanda in his book on the 140 years of the French language in the country of Lumumba, consulted on Tuesday by CPA. “The candidacy of the Democratic Republic of Congo through Juliana Lumumba for the position of Secretary-General of the International Organization of The Francophone (OIF) is well placed to compete for this position in the upcoming election. This assessment is contained in my book entitled ‘140 years of the French language in the DRC: will French become the mother tongue of the majority of children by the end of the 21st century?’. In this work, I highlight the evolution of the use of French in the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting in particular that children aged 2 to 3 already express themselves in French in many families, unlike the generations of the colonial era and the early years after independence,” revealed André Bekanda, Congolese writer and author of the book.
According to him, this situation constitutes both a social reality and a new linguistic dynamic, which calls on public policies and Congolese parents to reflect on the use and promotion of the French language, considered as the official language and the language of instruction. “It is an opportunity that can be pedagogically exploited, insofar as French already occupies a central place in the education system and in social practices,” the author stressed. The book also highlights the attachment of the Congolese elite to the French language, established for about 140 years in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Francophone remains an important space for cooperation, and several countries play an active role through their commitments and candidacies,” the author said, noting that the book also addresses issues related to Francophone in a context marked by international political and institutional dynamics. Mr. Bekanda further stated that: “The French language is today the language of national education, administration and institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also occupies an important place in social practices and intellectual mobility.” Published in May 2026 by Médiapaul editions, the book entitled “140 years of the French language in the DRC: will French become the mother tongue of the majority of children by the end of the 21st century?” contains 143 pages. It is authored by André Bekanda Boliki, a former teacher and education sector executive, who also worked at the Congolese Press Agency in the production of content related to education and the French language.