The Games of La Francophonie in Kinshasa 2023: a historic celebration of Francophone diversity and excellence
The ninth edition of the Jeux de la Francophonie took place in Kinshasa from July 28 to August 6, 2023, and was acclaimed as a historic celebration of Francophone diversity and excellence. Despite lingering doubts and predictions of failure, the event turned out to be a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on the international community and on the Congolese people themselves.
Under the leadership of the Head of State, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, the Games received unprecedented support from the Congolese government. Its regular presence at accommodation sites, sports and cultural competitions testifies to its commitment to the success of the event. This closeness between the President and the organizing committee, as well as with the athletes and the public, contributed to creating a euphoric atmosphere and to reinforcing the feeling of national pride.
Despite the pessimistic predictions, the DRC was able to take up the challenge and organize the Games in optimal conditions. Modern infrastructures, such as football stadiums, basketball and volleyball halls, athletic tracks, have testified to the country’s commitment to promoting sport and developing local talent.
Sportingly, Morocco dominated the Games with an outstanding performance, winning a large number of medals. However, the DRC also surprised by climbing into the top 10 of the most medal-winning nations of the event. Individual disciplines, such as boxing, table tennis and wrestling, have been particularly successful for Congolese athletes.
Beyond the sporting aspect, this edition of the Francophone Games was also marked by a celebration of cultural diversity. The shows and exhibitions highlighted the artistic and cultural riches of La Francophonie, thus strengthening the ties between the different participating nations.
The successful holding of the Francophone Games in Kinshasa 2023 also opens up new prospects for the DRC. The modern infrastructure inherited from the event should serve as a springboard for the development of Congolese sport. Long-term programs for the establishment and modernization of sports and cultural infrastructures across the provinces could help to discover and train many untapped talents.
In conclusion, the Games of La Francophonie in Kinshasa 2023 will be remembered as a historic celebration of Francophone diversity and excellence. Despite the doubts, the DRC has proven its ability to organize an event of international scope and to showcase its sporting and cultural talents.. Hopefully this achievement will serve as a catalyst for the development of sport and culture in the DRC, opening up new opportunities for Congolese talent