The IX Games of La Francophonie will be held from July 28 to August 6, 2023 in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The official invitation was given to the Ivorian President, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, by his Congolese counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi. This major event will bring together the best young French-speaking artistic and sports talents from around the world.
Despite Kinshasa’s optimism about the success of these games, some French-speaking countries have expressed reservations about their participation. Quebec, the French-speaking region of Canada, has announced its withdrawal from this edition due to security and health concerns. New Brunswick, another French-speaking region of Canada, has meanwhile decided to send a reduced delegation to Kinshasa. Belgium, through the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, has also decided not to participate in sports competitions. Some concerns have also been expressed by other states at meetings of La Francophonie.
This is the first time that the Francophone Games will take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kinshasa was chosen as the host city during the 108th session of the permanent council of La Francophonie in 2019. These games, initially scheduled for 2021, have been postponed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Games of La Francophonie offer a unique opportunity to showcase the talents and cultural diversity of French-speaking countries. They are also an opportunity to strengthen ties between French-speaking nations and to promote the values of La Francophonie, such as solidarity, diversity and open-mindedness.
While waiting for the kick-off of this long-awaited event, Kinshasa is actively preparing to welcome the participants with dignity and offer the whole world a memorable spectacle. The 2023 Francophonie Games will be an exceptional showcase for Congolese culture and an opportunity for the country to position itself on the international scene.
Through these games, the Democratic Republic of Congo hopes to demonstrate its ambition, its dynamism and its ability to organize world-class events. The Congolese authorities are aware of the challenges ahead, but they are determined to make this event a success and to show the world the richness and diversity of Congolese culture.
The Games of La Francophonie 2023 promise to be a real moment of celebration, sharing and exchange between French-speaking nations. They will be an unmissable event for all sports and culture enthusiasts, and a unique opportunity to discover and appreciate the emerging talents of the Francophonie