Following in the footsteps of Romania, a new country has taken first place in the medals table at the Jeux de la Francophonie 2023 in Kinshasa, DRC (July 28-August 6). With 20 places on the podium, including eight titles, Morocco was ahead of Romania (17 medals, including eight gold) on Tuesday August 1, halfway through the sporting and cultural event. Behind Cameroon (16/5) and Senegal (8/4), the DRC continues to set a good pace. Fifth, the host country has already won 14 medals, including three golds. Proof of the importance attached by the political authorities to this ninth edition of the Games of La Francophonie was the presence of the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, on Tuesday August 1 at the Stade des Martyrs for the start of the athletics events. The Head of State presented medals to the winners of the men’s and women’s 100 m finals (photo above), won respectively by Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme (10 sec 04) and Côte d’Ivoire’s Maboundu Kone (11 sec 24). Organizing committee director Isidore Kwandja commented at a press briefing on Monday July 31: “I can say that the situation is under control. We don’t have any concerns, particularly about security issues, which were raised before the opening by several countries. I think the Games will continue and finish in the best possible conditions.“
