The Francophonie Games in Kinshasa: a historic event for the DRC
After nine days of sporting and cultural competitions, the ninth edition of the Francophonie Games ended in Kinshasa in a festive atmosphere. This edition will remain engraved in the collective memory of the Congolese and will be recorded in the annals as a historic event having contributed significantly to cementing the country’s belonging to the Francophonie, according to President Félix Tshisekedi.
This edition of the Francophonie Games was an immense challenge for the Congolese authorities, who took up the challenge brilliantly. Sports infrastructure, such as the completely renovated Tata-Raphaël stadium, as well as gymnasiums and sports centers, were built especially for the event. This unprecedented investment in the field of sport in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a Congolese miracle, according to the director of the International Committee of the Francophonie Games, Zeina Mina.
Despite uncertainties and criticism, the organization of these Games was a resounding success. The quality of the facilities has made it possible to establish several records in athletics and aroused the admiration of participants and the public. The people of Kinshasa also rushed en masse to attend the various competitions, creating an atmosphere of fervor and enthusiasm which obscured the image of instability which still surrounds the country.
In addition to the sporting aspect, these Games were also an opportunity for President Félix Tshisekedi to benefit from political visibility. Propaganda posters in his favor were widely distributed during the event, thus helping to strengthen his image and legitimacy among the Congolese population.
Now that the Games of La Francophonie are over, the question of the long-term impact arises. Will the sports infrastructure built for the event be used to promote sport in the DRC in the long term? Will the investments made result in a real boost to the Congolese sports sector?
Only the future will tell us if these Games of La Francophonie will really have marked a turning point in the sporting history of the DRC. In the meantime, the Congolese authorities can be proud of having taken up this challenge and of having offered their country an opportunity to shine on the international stage.