Games of La Francophonie: the secretary general of the OIF, Louise Mushikiwabo, will not be present in Kinshasa (Official)
The Jeux de la Francophonie, an event eagerly awaited by Francophone youth, are supposed to take place in Kinshasa. However, one major absence should be noted: that of the Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo.
Indeed, according to her spokesperson, Louise Mushikiwabo will not be present in Kinshasa for the Francophone Games. This choice is probably linked to the strained relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, where Louise Mushikiwabo is from. The two countries have abysmal relations, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellion in the east of the country.
Initially, it was announced that Louise Mushikiwabo would attend the opening ceremony of the Games as co-organizer. However, this will not materialize. The DRC was supposed to send a formal invitation to Louise Mushikiwabo, but she never received it. This confusion prompted the secretary general of the OIF to reconsider her trip.
Despite this absence, Louise Mushikiwabo will be represented in Kinshasa by the administrator of the OIF, Caroline St-Hilaire. The Secretary General’s main objective is for the Games to run smoothly and be a success, to the delight of Francophone youth.
This news raises questions about diplomatic relations between the DRC and Rwanda, but does not seem to call into question the conduct of the Francophone Games in Kinshasa. Preparations are continuing and every effort is being made to ensure that this event is a great showcase of the diversity and richness of La Francophonie.
The Games of La Francophonie, which take place every four years, bring together athletes and artists from all French-speaking countries. This is an opportunity to celebrate the French language and to promote peace, solidarity and tolerance through sport and culture.
It remains to be hoped that despite this absence of the Secretary General of the OIF, the Games of La Francophonie in Kinshasa will be a success and will make it possible to strengthen the links between the participating countries and to promote the values of La Francophonie