The IX Games of La Francophonie finally took place in Kinshasa, the largest French-speaking city in the world, after two postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, kicked off this major cultural event on July 28, 2023.
The opening ceremony was marked by a parade of participating delegations, which were warmly applauded by the spectators. The Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie, Christophe Lutundula, underlined the challenges faced by President Tshisekedi to organize these games, despite the Covid-19 pandemic and the construction of the necessary infrastructure.
The Games of La Francophonie represent much more than a simple competition, according to Ms. Caroline de Saint Hilaire, administrator of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). They are an expression of shared humanity and reflect universal values.
The artistic component of the opening ceremony highlighted the culture of the DRC, its natural and human wealth, as well as its modernity. Renowned Congolese artists also participated in this breathtaking artistic spectacle.
The sports and artistic competitions will be held from July 29 to August 8, 2023, bringing together nearly 3,000 competitors aged 18 to 35, in 11 artistic disciplines and 9 sports competitions. Kinshasa, as the first French-speaking country by its area and second by the number of speakers after France, thus demonstrates that the future of the Francophonie is also at stake in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These Francophone Games are a celebration of linguistic, cultural and sporting diversity, highlighting Francophone excellence. They are an opportunity to strengthen ties between the different French-speaking countries and to promote the common values of solidarity and openness.
This event is a source of pride for the Democratic Republic of Congo and offers an international showcase for Congolese culture, sport and talent