The Jeux de la Francophonie have finally arrived in Kinshasa, the largest French-speaking city in the world. After two postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022, the opening ceremony took place on Friday July 28, 2023 at the Stade des Martyrs.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, kicked off this major event in the French-speaking world. It is a great relief for DR Congo which had to overcome many challenges to organize these games, from the preparations affected by the pandemic to the construction of the necessary infrastructure.
The opening ceremony was marked by a magnificent parade of participating delegations, warmly welcomed by the spectators. After that, three speeches were made, including that of the Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs and Francophonie, Christophe Lutundula, who praised the efforts of President Tshisekedi for the organization of the games.
The representative of the International Organization of La Francophonie, Caroline de Saint Hilaire, stressed that these games go far beyond a simple competition, they are a reflection of our shared humanity and the universal values of the Francophonie.
The highlight of the evening was the artistic show highlighting the culture and wealth of the DRC, as well as its modernity. Renowned Congolese artists also participated in this stage production in order to promote the country’s art and creativity.
These games will take place from Saturday until August 8, 2023, with the participation of nearly 3,000 competitors aged 18 to 35 in 11 artistic disciplines and 9 sports competitions. This is an opportunity for the DR Congo to demonstrate its dynamism and its commitment to the Francophonie.
Despite the difficulties and postponements, Kinshasa has proven that the future of the Francophonie is also at stake in the DRC. As the first French-speaking country by area and second by the number of speakers after France, the DR Congo is a key player in the Francophonie and these games are tangible proof of this.
It is therefore with enthusiasm and determination that Kinshasa hosts the Jeux de la Francophonie, offering its inhabitants and participants the opportunity to celebrate the cultural and sporting diversity of the Francophonie in a spirit of sharing and friendly competition