The Games of La Francophonie are a major international event that celebrates the cultural and sporting diversity of French-speaking countries. This year, the Games were to take place in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, according to a recent official statement, the Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, will not be present at this event.
This decision stems from political tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. Indeed, Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the M23 rebellion that has been raging in the east of the country since last year. Relations between the two countries are therefore execrable, which led to the absence of Louise Mushikiwabo in Kinshasa.
Initially, those responsible for organizing the Games had announced that the Secretary General would be present at the opening ceremony. However, his spokeswoman said that was not going to happen. According to her, the DRC never sent a formal invitation to Louise Mushikiwabo, which led to her decision not to travel to Kinshasa.
Despite this absence, the OIF assured that the event would take place as planned and that the Games of La Francophonie would be a unique opportunity for French-speaking youth to come together and celebrate fraternity and sporting excellence.
This situation highlights the importance of diplomatic relations and respect for official protocols in the organization of international events