Francophonie Games: the Secretary General of the OIF, Louise Mushikiwabo, will not go to Kinshasa
The Francophonie Games, currently taking place in Kinshasa, are mired in controversy with the announcement of the absence of the Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo. The reason given is the persistent tension between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, Ms. Mushikiwabo’s country of origin.
Indeed, relations between the two countries have been terrible since Kinshasa accused Kigali of supporting the M23 rebellion, which has occupied part of eastern DRC since last year. This situation led to the absence of Ms. Mushikiwabo at the opening ceremony of the Games of La Francophonie, despite prior declarations from Congolese officials affirming her presence.
The Secretary General of the OIF will nevertheless be represented in Kinshasa by the administrator of the organization, Caroline St-Hilaire. According to Ms. Mushikiwabo’s spokesperson, the lack of formal invitation from the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs pushed the Secretary General to reconsider her trip. Despite this, above all, she wants the Games to take place in good conditions, being an event eagerly awaited by French-speaking youth.
This situation raises questions about geopolitical tensions that can influence the participation of representatives of certain countries in international events. It also highlights the need to maintain solid diplomatic relations to ensure the smooth running of these sporting and cultural gatherings.
It is important to emphasize that the Francophonie Games are not only a sporting competition, but also an opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity and the French language that bring together French-speaking countries. Despite the controversies surrounding this edition, it is essential to promote the talents of the participants and to promote the intercultural exchanges which make the Francophonie rich.
In conclusion, the absence of the Secretary General of the OIF, Louise Mushikiwabo, at the Francophonie Games in Kinshasa illustrates the persistent geopolitical tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. It also highlights the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations to ensure participation and success in international events. Despite these controversies, the main objective remains to celebrate cultural diversity and the French language within the Francophonie.