La Francophonie 2023 Games seriously compromised

According to documents obtained from confidential sources, on October 24, the Orientation Council of the International Committee of La Francophonie (CIJF) held an extraordinary session to examine the progress of preparations for the 9th Games. de la Francophonie, the signature event of the French-speaking world. It turns out that serious problems compromise the conduct of the Games.

Council noted Significant delays in execution of various projects and implementation of all organizational departmentsCan you study there?

On at least two occasions since the spring, adminOIF, Quebecer Geoffroi Montpetit, traveled to the DRC to assess the situation. Until now, the host country, through its president, has maintained that it is in a position to host the games. But Mr. Montpetit then showed concern. After submitting the interim report, nothing seemed to be going well, so a deadline was set to decide whether the game would go ahead or not.

The Council gave the DRC until November 15 to respond to a series of assurances on critical points such as accommodation, food provision, sports and cultural infrastructure, health, security, visa issuance and transport. The TRC should submit its action plans and a precise timetable for the work. Beyond this date, specify the documents received, it will be technically impossible for the DRC, CIJF and States and Governments to host or participate in the IX Games of La Francophonie.

The Orientation Council recommends to the Congolese authorities Ensure further tightening of CIJF’s financial management, especially rationalization of salary scale and control of personnel costs. The council also wants to get a map of the various sites and accommodation, indicating that essential parts of the Games still need to be carried out. Organizers are also requested to place orders for sports and scenery equipment. Nowof Hire an Operations Director with proven experience in managing major international events And pass a code of conduct for accompanying sporting events and dignitaries.

A decision during the summit?

Another confidential source confirms that the OIF has indeed sought guarantees for accommodation, transport and security to host the Games, particularly in the form of operational plans. Ultimately, it is the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie that must decide and decide whether the Games should be postponed or canceled altogether if the requested guarantees are not obtained. Meets on November 18.

” [Les responsables congolais] The deadline will never be met and the ministerial conference will be cancelled. That’s my humble opinion. »

The decision could come during the Francophonie summit in Djerba, Tunisia, on November 19 and 20. The case has the potential to overshadow a meeting that Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and François Legault are expected to attend.

At what cost?

How much has been invested so far? As of now, it is impossible to know. But according to our information, states, donors, are informed about these problems. If we assume the Games will be canceled (and how likely?), what will happen to the millions of euros already paid out?, asks our source. The new Quebec minister for international relations and the office of La Francophonie, Martin Perron, says Aware of the situation at the La Francophonie Games. We will follow the situation closely. Thursday evening, Ottawa or TheOIF.

Originally, the cities of New Brunswick, Moncton and Dieppe were designated to host the games. But they finally gave up because the costs of the system were declared too high. Originally estimated at $17.5 million, they exploded a few years later, rising to $130 million in 2018. They fell to $62 million in 2019. The city of Sherbrooke, which considered providing them, also gave up, estimating the costs at $52. million.

Either way, the expected result will have dire consequences. According to our sources, if a decision is made, the La Francophonie Games will be cancelled, as the hosting of the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 will make it impossible to postpone them. Most athletes would not. Prepare for two major events in the same year.