Christophe Lutundula, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo, stated that the country solely financed the 2023 Francophonie Games held in Kinshasa. He made these remarks during a special edition of Space Live organized by Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala. Lutundula, who chaired the games' steering committee, revealed that the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) has not provided any funding for the event.
According to Lutundula, the DRC covered 100% of the costs for the games, which is unusual as the host country typically does not bear the entire financial burden. The OIF usually contributes a significant percentage of the costs. He mentioned that the organization has not paid any amount to date, leaving the DRC with a substantial debt to settle with various francophone companies that participated in the construction and management of sports facilities.
Lutundula did not disclose the exact amount owed by the OIF but mentioned it was in millions of dollars. He noted that the infrastructure alone cost over $40 million. The former minister also recalled that Louise Mushikiwabo, the OIF Secretary-General, refused to attend the Kinshasa games, which he found surprising and contrary to tradition.
Lutundula expressed concerns about the DRC's position within the current Francophonie, citing the absence of Mushikiwabo as an example. However, he defended the success of the games, stating that he had not heard any negative comments about the event. President Félix Tshisekedi aimed to reaffirm the DRC's commitment to the Francophonie's ideals, as outlined in the 2005 Antananarivo Charter.
The DRC is currently presenting Juliana Lumumba's candidacy for the position of OIF Secretary-General, as the organization's leaders gather in Phnom Penh to designate a successor to Louise Mushikiwabo. Lutundula's statements coincide with tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, as well as the DRC's call to address the ongoing crisis in the East.
The 20th Francophonie Summit is taking place in Phnom Penh, with the designation of the new Secretary-General being a key agenda item. The DRC is seeking to play a significant role in the organization, given its strategic position in Africa and its status as the largest francophone country by number of speakers.
The controversy surrounding the OIF's funding for the Francophonie Games and Mushikiwabo's absence from the event has sparked concerns about the organization's commitment to its member states. The DRC's experience has raised questions about the effectiveness of the OIF in supporting its members, particularly in times of need.
Key points
- The DRC solely financed the 2023 Francophonie Games, which cost over $40 million for infrastructure alone.
- The OIF has not provided any funding for the games, according to Christophe Lutundula.
- The DRC is presenting Juliana Lumumba's candidacy for the position of OIF Secretary-General.
