The IX Games of La Francophonie, scheduled for July 28 to August 6 in Kinshasa, have sparked recent debate following the Quebec government’s decision not to send its athletes and artists for security reasons. In this article, we will analyze this decision and examine the security measures put in place to ensure the smooth running of the event.
According to Isidore Kwanja, director of the national committee of the Jeux de la Francophonie, Quebec has chosen not to send its athletes, but is still sending a delegation of diplomats to represent the province. He says Quebec does not represent Canada as a whole and that other provinces, such as New Brunswick, have confirmed their participation in the games.
Kwanja emphasizes that all necessary security measures have been taken to guarantee the safety of the participants. A private agency has been hired to provide security inside the games sites, and 4,500 police officers will be deployed to patrol the games areas, including the villages and hotels where the participants reside.
Despite these measures, Quebec’s decision not to send its athletes raises questions as to the real reasons for this decision. Some question the safety rationale, arguing that if other governments chose to send their athletes, there must be other reasons behind Quebec’s decision.
The Games of La Francophonie aim to promote the talents of young Francophones in the field of sport and culture. This quadrennial competition brings together athletes and artists from 53 French-speaking countries. Previous editions have taken place in places such as Ottawa, Nice and Abidjan, allowing participants to represent their country and compete against the best French-speaking talent.
Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been chosen to host the IX Games of La Francophonie in 2023. However, due to the postponement of the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains to be seen how the security measures and participation will be managed in this particular context.
In conclusion, the decision of the Government of Quebec not to send its athletes and artists to the IX Games of La Francophonie in Kinshasa raises questions as to its true motivations. Despite the security measures put in place, it remains to be seen how this decision will affect overall attendance at the event. The Games of La Francophonie remain an important event to promote Francophone talent and strengthen ties between participating countries