In response to worries about the security of athletes competing in the International Francophone Games, which begin this week, Congo has increased security in the nation’s capital Kinshasa, the government announced on Tuesday.
According to Isidor Kwanja, the coordinator of the game, 4,500 more police, supported by state security agents, have been deployed days before the occasion’s schedule. Police will personally accompany athletes, and their accommodations have been equipped with security cameras.
For the 10-day Jeux de la Francophonie, which had already been postponed from 2021 to improve infrastructure, the lack of security in the city is the most recent setback.
The International Organisation of the Francophonie, which is hosting the games, revealed on Tuesday that its secretary general, Louise Mushikiwabo, will not be part of the event.
Mushikiwabo previously held the position of Rwanda’s minister of foreign affairs. Because of a rebel insurrection, Rwanda and Congo have a tense relationship. Rwanda denies supporting the M23 rebel group, as claimed by Congo.
According to a representative for Mushikiwabo, she was not invited to the games. Questions concerning the situation were not answered by the Congolese government.
In order to complete tracks, sporting arenas, and lodging by the start date of July 28, authorities worked frantically. In Kinshasa, where minor crimes, muggings, and kidnappings for ransom are fairly regular, some participants have also expressed concerns about safety.
Doubts about the capabilities of the government to protect the games were made worse by the death of an opposition spokesman this month.
French-speaking Wallonia in Belgium and Quebec in Canada have both reduced their numbers of athletes.
The games, which are held every four years to promote the French language, will feature some 3,000 athletes from more than 40 nations. Sports like cycling, basketball, football, and wrestling are part of the event.
