The Francophone Games are an international event that brings together Francophone athletes and artists from around the world. Organized every four years in different French-speaking countries, these games celebrate the cultural and sporting diversity of the French-speaking world.
In 2023, Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was chosen to host the ninth edition of the Games of La Francophonie. However, a recent decision by the Quebec government has sparked controversy. Indeed, Quebec has decided not to send its athletes or artists to the Games, citing security reasons.
According to Isidore Kwanja, director of the national committee of the Games of La Francophonie, these security reasons are not valid, because other governments, such as that of New Brunswick, have confirmed their participation. He also affirms that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of participants in the Games.
This event is of great importance for the DRC, which obtained it during the session of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie in 2019. The Games of La Francophonie offer a unique opportunity to showcase the talents of young artists and sportsmen Francophones, and to promote exchanges and cooperation between member countries of the Francophonie.
The previous edition of the Games, held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2017, brought together nearly 3,500 participants from 53 countries. For ten days, these young athletes and artists were able to showcase their skills and creativity in different sporting and artistic disciplines.
Despite the absence of the Quebec delegation, the Francophone Games in Kinshasa promise to be a memorable event. The organizers have taken all the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of the participants, and the cultural and sporting diversity of the Francophonie will once again be celebrated.
The Francophonie Games are an international showcase for young French-speaking talent, and a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between the member countries of the Francophonie. We hope that this edition in Kinshasa will be a success and will contribute to promoting diversity and exchange in the Francophonie.