Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Support for Matoko’s UNESCO Director-General Bid

The Republic of Congo has approached Nigeria for support in its bid to have Firmin Édouard Matoko elected as Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) ahead of the October 2025 election scheduled to hold in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Congo’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean-Claude Gakosso, is currently on a diplomatic tour across Africa, engaging key regional stakeholders to rally support for Matoko, who is the only Central African candidate in the race. As part of this effort, Abuja is considered a strategic stop, given Nigeria’s influence in continental politics and multilateral organisations. Matoko, who currently serves as Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations at UNESCO, is being positioned as a symbol of continental equity and inclusion. His candidacy is being pitched as an opportunity to address Central Africa’s historical underrepresentation in global leadership positions, especially within United Nations agencies. His main challenger, Egypt’s Khaled El-Enany, entered the race earlier and enjoys the backing of the African Union and France. However, Congo is counting on regional solidarity to shift momentum toward its nominee, who is widely regarded for his work in advancing African interests within UNESCO. Nigeria’s support is being viewed as critical. With its growing engagement in UNESCO programmes, including the recent hosting of a Category II Media and Information Literacy Institute and efforts to reclaim its seat on the UNESCO Executive Board, the country is seen as a potential game-changer in the diplomatic equation. The Federal Government is also collaborating with UNESCO to update its National Cultural Policy, a move that strengthens its ties with the organisation and enhances its leadership credentials on cultural matters. While Nigeria is yet to formally declare its position, diplomatic sources suggest that a favourable endorsement could bolster Matoko’s chances and encourage a broader coalition of African states to rally behind his candidacy. Congo’s campaign continues with planned visits to other African capitals, but observers say Nigeria’s stance will be a defining factor in the outcome of the race for UNESCO’s top job.