The Quebec government recently decided not to send its athletes or artists to the 9th Games of La Francophonie to be held in Kinshasa. This decision was motivated by security reasons. Only a delegation of diplomats will represent Quebec at this major international event.
This announcement provoked reactions from Isidore Kwanja, director of the national committee of the Games of La Francophonie. He stressed that Quebec must be seen as a separate entity from the rest of Canada and that its decision not to send athletes does not call into question the security measures put in place by the organizers.
He also said that Quebec will still be represented by five officials at the Games, thus demonstrating its commitment to this international cultural and sporting event.
Despite the assurances given by Isidore Kwanja regarding security, some players in the sports and cultural sector are questioning the reasons given by the Quebec government. They point out that other governments, such as New Brunswick, have confirmed their participation in the Games of La Francophonie, which calls into question the security argument put forward by Quebec.
The Francophone Games, which take place every four years, combine sporting events and cultural competitions. Their objective is to highlight the talents of French-speaking youth in various fields. Since their creation in 1989, they have been organized in several French-speaking countries such as Morocco, France, Canada, Niger, Lebanon and Côte d’Ivoire.
With the edition scheduled for 2023 in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is the first time that the Games will be organized in Central Africa. This decision was taken during the 108th session of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie in July 2019.
Unfortunately, the absence of Quebec athletes during these Games risks creating a void in the competition and depriving the participants and the public of an even richer and more diversified sporting and cultural spectacle.
It remains to be hoped that despite this decision, the IX Games of La Francophonie will still be a great success and will make it possible to celebrate the fraternity and diversity of the Francophonie throughout the world