The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, officially announced the opening of the Francophonie Games during the opening ceremony of the ninth edition held at the Stade des Martyrs, with over 50,000 attendees. The ceremony showcased the country’s culture, natural and human resources alongside its modernity. The opening event highlighted the multiple dimensions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Francophonie, taking spectators on a journey along the Congo River, from the Congo Basin forests to Kinshasa, the host city of the games and the first French-speaking city in the world. The message of the ceremony also emphasized youth empowerment and unity.
The event began with a parade of delegations from more than 40 participating countries. President Tshisekedi stated in a brief speech the official opening of the ninth edition of the games. A security company, the Congolese national police, and the republican guard set up at least five checkpoints leading to the Stade des Martyrs. Caroline Saint Hilaire, Director of the International Organization of La Francophonie, represented the Secretary-General of La Francophonie, and ambassadors of the games, Lilian Thuram and Sarah Hanffou, along with artistic figures Didier Awadi, a pioneer of rap music in Africa, and Jozeph Loubondo, an emerging personality in photography, were present.
Young talents (aged 18-35) from five continents will compete in 11 artistic disciplines and 9 sports competitions, totaling 40 delegations, which include: songs, storytelling, digital creativity, creative dance, hip-hop (dance), ball manipulation (freestyle), literature (new), giant puppets, painting, photography, sculpture; and athletics, women’s basketball, road cycling, men’s football, judo, African wrestling, table tennis, peripheral animations, and nzango.
