Title: The 9th Francophonie Games in Kinshasa under the sign of safety
Introduction :
In a few days, from July 28 to August 6, the 9th Francophone Games will take place in Kinshasa. This international sporting and cultural event is an opportunity for the Congolese capital to showcase itself. However, despite the assurances of the government, the sanitation of the city leaves something to be desired. In this article, we will examine the impact of the situation on the image of Kinshasa during these Games of La Francophonie.
1. Infrastructure in poor condition:
The various sites that will host the sports competitions and the delegations of the Francophone Games in Kinshasa show signs of neglect. The Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecost, which will be the scene of several events, shows an uninviting aspect. Similarly, the Tata Raphaël Stadium and other infrastructure planned to house the athletes are in poor condition. All this contributes to give a negative image of the city.
2. Dirt and trash:
The surroundings of the competition venues are regularly invaded by rubbish. Despite the work carried out to prepare for the Games, the streets of the city are strewn with heaps of rubbish. This precarious sanitation situation tarnishes Kinshasa’s reputation and gives the impression of a lack of involvement by local authorities in improving the environment.
3. The issue of security:
In addition to cleanliness issues, the issue of safety is also a concern. Some delegations, such as that of Quebec, have decided not to participate in the Games of La Francophonie due to security concerns. The presence of violent young offenders, known as “kuluna”, in the vicinity of competition venues is an additional problem.
Conclusion :
The Games of La Francophonie offer a unique opportunity for Kinshasa to showcase itself internationally. However, infrastructure neglect, persistent dirt and security issues risk compromising the city’s image during the event. Local authorities need to take urgent action to address these issues and restore Kinshasa to the pride it deserves at this major event