Games of La Francophonie: the secretary general of the OIF, Louise Mushikiwabo, absent in Kinshasa
Tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda continue to disrupt diplomatic relations between the two countries. This time, it is the absence of the Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, during the Games of La Francophonie that makes people talk about her.
Initially scheduled to go to Kinshasa, Louise Mushikiwabo will ultimately not be present at the opening ceremony of the Games. Its spokesperson, Oria Vande Weghe, confirmed this information by stating that the secretary general will be represented by the administrator of the OIF, Caroline St-Hilaire.
This absence is attributed to the fact that Louise Mushikiwabo never received a formal invitation from the Congolese government. Despite the declarations of Congolese officials assuring that she would be present in her capacity as co-organizer of the Games, the Secretary General took the decision not to go to Kinshasa because of this confusion.
Relations between the DRC and Rwanda are already strained due to accusations made by Kinshasa against Kigali, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebellion in the east of the country. This situation has also led to difficulties in other areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Despite this absence, the Games of La Francophonie will continue as planned and will certainly be an event eagerly awaited by Francophone youth. Louise Mushikiwabo’s main objective is that these Games take place in the best conditions, thus offering a platform for sharing and celebrating the Francophonie.
In conclusion, the absence of the Secretary General of the OIF, Louise Mushikiwabo, at the Jeux de la Francophonie in Kinshasa is mainly due to a confusion concerning the official invitation which was never received. This situation testifies to the existing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, but does not call into question the conduct of the Games which are an important meeting for the Francophonie