The IX Games of La Francophonie will indeed be held in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, from July 28 to August 6, 2023. This decision was ratified during the 123rd session of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie held in Paris. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. The participants in this meeting also discussed the preparations underway for this major event for Francophone youth, with the presence of Madame Bestine Kazadi from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Personal Representative of the Head of State to of the International Organization of La Francophonie.
During this meeting, the National Director of the Games, Mr. Isidore Kwandja Ngembo presented the current state of preparation for the event, emphasizing the accommodation of the athletes and artists planned in Kinshasa. The residences are ready at the University of Kinshasa, however, the rehabilitation works of the surrounding roads and the bedding in the rooms are in progress. Mr. Kwandja also mentioned the restoration of the Tata Raphaël stadium as an accommodation site for the athletes.
During the debates, several member countries of the OIF, such as Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, expressed their support for maintaining the Games in Kinshasa. France also encouraged the DRC to honor its promise. The Congolese authorities have been asked to complete the accommodation infrastructure and to guarantee the safety, health and mobility of the athletes.
To date, 3,648 athletes and artists have registered for the programs of the 9th Games of La Francophonie. According to Mr. Kwandja, “All the concerns raised by each other are taken into account by the country’s authorities who are working hard for the last phase before the kick-off of what we want to be the best edition in the world. largest French-speaking country”.
In its final communiqué, the Permanent Council of La Francophonie (CPF) noted that “Member States and Governments have been able to learn about the progress of preparations for the IX Games of La Francophonie. Despite some concerns expressed about the challenges which remain to be met in the next five weeks before the start of the Games, they welcomed the progress made by the National Committee for the Games of La Francophonie (CNJF) and reiterated their enthusiasm for supporting the participation of their teams, subject to that the reception conditions are guaranteed”.
The Francophone Games are a major event for Francophone youth. The Congolese authorities are working hard to ensure the success of this event in the largest French-speaking country, ensuring the accommodation, safety, health and mobility of athletes and artists.