The Government of Quebec has given up sending a delegation to the Games of the Francophonie in Kinshasa, because of the risks related to the safety and health of the athletes and artists who would have participated in the events and the demonstrations, indicated to the Duty the Ministry of International Relations.
This decision was taken when doubts were already hovering over Quebec’s participation in the event, which will be held from July 28 to August 6.
“This decision is not easy to make, but it is thoughtful and responsible,” ministry spokeswoman Sylvie Leclerc said by email, citing safety and health reasons.
Last week, a representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the host country, tried to reassure the member states and governments of the International Organization of La Francophonie, during a meeting held in Paris.
The Quebec government had also carried out two security missions in the DRC in anticipation of the games, in January and May.
“Following these two missions and the conclusions presented by the OIF at the Permanent Council of La Francophonie on June 21, Quebec believes that the necessary conditions are not met to guarantee the safe participation of artists and athletes at these Games,” said the spokesperson.
The Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Martine Biron, had already cast doubt on Quebec’s participation two weeks ago.
Before the announcement of the Quebec decision, the director of the National Games Committee, Isidore Kwandja Ngembo, told the Duty that the event is “a tremendous springboard for young sporting talents from the French-speaking world in order to prepare, in particular, for taking part in the Olympic Games”.
“Too bad for the countries that want to deprive their talented young people of such an opportunity which only arises once every four years, for ulterior reasons”, he already lamented on June 15.
In addition to sports competitions, the Francophone Games are also an opportunity for artists from the delegations to perform during the event.
More details will follow