Category: Sports

The Games of La Francophonie 2023 will take place in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than 3,600 participants have already registered and the city has prepared residencies at the University of Kinshasa. However, road rehabilitation works will need to be carried out and concerns regarding athlete accommodation, mobility and safety have been raised. Although logistical challenges remain, the members of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie welcomed the progress presented by the National Committee of the Games of La Francophonie and reiterated their support for the participation of their teams.

The youth coordination in the DRC, supported by IOM and USAID, organized an awareness day on gender-based violence (GBV) and human trafficking in the sports sector in the DRC. Leaders of federations and clubs were invited to participate as well as about fifty people, including journalists, players and artists. The aim is to raise awareness among federations, clubs, journalists and artists about violence against young athletes. The Technical Advisor to the IOM specified that the IOM wants to support the victims of these practices in the DRC and protect them against the executioners. The fight against GBV and human trafficking in sports circles in the Democratic Republic of Congo is therefore essential to guarantee the safety and development of young Congolese athletes.

Congolese and international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), organized an awareness day on human trafficking and gender-based violence in sports in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This day brought together around fifty leaders of federations and clubs, journalists, artists and renowned sportsmen, including Junior Makabu, boxing champion. The practices of trafficking and violence in this sector, particularly in the field of martial arts and combat sports, are regularly reported. A “Red Card” campaign has been launched to fight against all forms of discrimination and to offer children in the sporting world a peaceful path. Human traffickers take advantage of the visibility of this sector to find victims. The organizations called for the continuation of these sensitizations to preserve good morals and make the DRC a world sports reference.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football championship has been interrupted for six months due to the lack of financial means to support local clubs and officials. This interruption has had consequences that go beyond football. Indeed, players, referees and clubs have been affected by the lack of competition and the cancellation of the season. In addition to the impact on the sport itself, the lack of public funds to support the national football championship has had economic and social repercussions, especially on the lives of many people who are faced with precarious situations. However, the initiators of the Red Card Campaign against human trafficking and sexual violence in sports are calling on the Congolese authorities for more support for sport.

Youth coordination in collaboration with IOM and funding from USAID organized an awareness day on sexual violence and human trafficking in the sports environment of the DRC. About 70 people, including leaders of federations, journalists and athletes such as Junior Makabu participated in this campaign. The aim of awareness-raising was to fight against acts of trafficking and sexual violence while strengthening the laws in this area. The DRC holds the leadership in the fight against violence against women and young girls, however, journalistic investigations have revealed that sexual abuse and trafficking activities are committed in sports circles. The Congolese sports community should therefore work together to eradicate these acts and offer a fulfilling career to children evolving in this sector. The IOM contributes by accompanying the victims of trafficking to protect them against the executioners and by carrying out the “Red Card” campaign.

The film “Augure” by Congolese director Baloji, which won the “New Voice 2023” prize at the Cannes Film Festival, will be screened for the first time in Kinshasa on June 22, 23 and 24. The film tells the story of four characters caught up in sorcery summons in a phantasmagoric Africa. This screening will be an opportunity for the artistic and production teams to participate in professional meetings with a view to structuring the cinema sector in the DRC.

The Leopards of the DRC are preparing their participation in the 2nd edition of the AfroCan Basketball despite the financial and logistical difficulties they face. The players are determined to defend their title of African champions won in 2019 in Bamako, Mali. Although the government authorities do not provide the necessary support, the Leopards of the DRC are experienced and looking to win the competition with a difficult group. If you are looking for news on the DRC, check out our blog.

Despite his good academic performance, Congolese basketball player Oscar Tshiebwe was not chosen by the NBA to join one of the championship clubs. However, as a free agent, he still has chances to pursue his professional career elsewhere. Although sometimes criticized for his traditional style of play, Tshiebwe remains a talented player who will continue to thrill his many fans. It’s another step in the career of this ambitious player who aspires to one day play in the NBA.