The Games of La Francophonie, a true symbol of solidarity and determination for the DRC
Kinshasa, July 28, 2023 – The Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa shines with a thousand lights this Friday, July 28 for the official launch of the 9th edition of the Francophonie games. This international event, chaired by the Head of State Félix Tshisekedi, brings together personalities and athletes from all over the world.
This opening ceremony is of particular importance in the current context of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Indeed, Felix Tshisekedi underlined in his speech the Rwandan aggression as well as the massive looting of natural resources of which the country is a victim. The Games of La Francophonie are thus a strong symbol of solidarity with the Congolese and a way of highlighting the challenges they face.
The Games of La Francophonie are also an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and complementarity between French-speaking peoples. Félix Tshisekedi invited the participants to take advantage of their stay to discover the talents of the athletes as well as the richness of the Congolese cultural heritage. Writers, painters, musicians… the city of Kinshasa is full of creativity and truly embodies the cultural diversity of the DRC.
Beyond the festive aspect, these Francophonie games have a deep meaning. They make it possible to strengthen the active participation of Francophones in universal Francophone life, while transmitting this desire to live together to future generations. Indeed, the games will be an opportunity to bequeath a cultural and sporting heritage to Congolese youth, thus perpetuating the prophetic work of the founding fathers of La Francophonie.
The 2023 Francophonie Games in Kinshasa therefore represent an important step for the DRC. They bear witness to the vitality of the universal Francophonie and to the solidarity of Francophones with the Congolese. Beyond the sporting event, they offer an opportunity to showcase the country’s cultural richness while strengthening ties between French-speaking peoples around the world