However, it is important to stress that the absence of Louise Mushikiwabo in Kinshasa for the Games of La Francophonie is not surprising given the political tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Indeed, the conflict that has pitted the two countries for many years has led to a deterioration in diplomatic relations.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellion, which has caused widespread devastation in the east of the country. This situation has generated tensions and suspicions between the two governments, making it difficult to cooperate in events such as the Games of La Francophonie.
During a press conference held in Kinshasa, the Congolese authorities announced the presence of Louise Mushikiwabo at the opening ceremony of the Francophone Games. However, the spokeswoman for the secretary general of the OIF denied this information, stating that Louise Mushikiwabo will not be present in Kinshasa. She will be represented by the administrator of the OIF, Caroline St-Hilaire.
The reason for this absence is linked to a formal invitation which should have been sent to Louise Mushikiwabo by the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, this invitation was never received, which led the secretary general of the OIF to reconsider her trip. Its priority is that the Games take place in an optimal manner, in order to meet the expectations of French-speaking youth.
This situation reflects the difficulties that international organizations face when it comes to bringing together countries and governments with political differences. Despite the efforts of the OIF to promote cooperation and the Francophonie, political realities can sometimes hinder these initiatives.
It is therefore regrettable that the tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have an impact on the participation of Louise Mushikiwabo in the Games of La Francophonie. Hope that these political differences can be resolved to promote cooperation and exchange between French-speaking countries