The 2023 Francophonie Games in Kinshasa: a long-awaited event
After two postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IXth Games of La Francophonie are finally taking place in Kinshasa, the largest French-speaking city in the world. This major cultural event was officially launched by the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, during a grandiose opening ceremony at the Stade des Martyrs.
The evening began with a parade of participating delegations, acclaimed by the spectators. Then, several personalities took the floor to salute the efforts made by President Tshisekedi to organize these games despite the many challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the construction of the necessary infrastructure.
The representative of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) stressed that these games were much more than a simple sporting and cultural competition. They are a reflection of our shared humanity and our universal values. The artistic presentation that followed highlighted the cultural wealth of the Democratic Republic of Congo, its natural resources and its talented artists.
The next day, nearly 3,000 competitors aged 18 to 35 took part in the events, divided between 11 artistic disciplines and 9 sporting competitions. For a week, Kinshasa will be the scene of exceptional performances and meetings between the different French-speaking cultures represented.
These games are a unique opportunity to highlight the diversity and richness of the French-speaking world around the world. The Democratic Republic of Congo, the first French-speaking country by its surface area and second by the number of speakers after France, thus demonstrates its capacity to organize events of international scope.
Beyond entertainment, the Games of La Francophonie are also an opportunity to strengthen ties between French-speaking countries and promote solidarity and cultural exchange. It is an event that contributes to the development of young talents and the promotion of French-speaking creativity.
The 2023 Francophonie Games in Kinshasa are therefore a real success and a demonstration of the dynamism and vitality of the Francophonie in the world. Whether in the sporting or cultural field, this event offers an exceptional showcase to promote the values of sharing, diversity and equality supported by the French language.