The 2015 edition of CISA, the International Convention of Sport in Africa, is fast approaching. It will be held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda from March 11 to 15, 2015. An edition which will be notably marked by the presence of Lamine Diack, the president of the IAAF, and Mustapha Larfaoui, the former president of FINA. Organizer of the event, the Senegalese Diamil Faye (on the left in our photo) details for FrancsJeux the challenges of CISA 2015 and the prospects for African sport.
FrancsJeux: What will be the main highlight of CISA 2015, next month in Kigali?
Diamil Faye: This edition will be marked by reflection and debates on the evolution of sports administration in Africa and its prospects for development. From this point of view, the continent finds itself somewhat at a crossroads, with the departure of one generation, symbolized by Lamine Diack and Mustapha Larfaoui, and the emergence of another, younger one. We are currently experiencing a period of transition.
What will be the other big themes of CISA 2015?
A theme will be devoted to doping, with the entry into force since the beginning of the year of the new world anti-doping code. We will also discuss the future of the African Games and the model that this continental event should follow. At a time when Europe is going to organize its first European Games, the African Games must take a serious look at their future. The event does not have television rights, its best athletes often fail due to scheduling issues, its marketing is unsatisfactory and the question of its ownership has never been resolved. We will also organize, like last year, a seminar for African sports journalists. And we will bring IOC trainers so that they can meet the thirty athletes, most of them Rwandan, present during the Convention.
Does the organization of CISA 2015 in Rwanda reflect this country’s desire to invest in sport?
Yes. Rwanda is currently one of the most ambitious African countries, in the field of sport, but also more broadly in economic development. Its authorities have put in place a very clear strategy. On a sporting level, its national Olympic committee, member of the AFCNO, demonstrates a desire to move forward. Rwandans understood the need to structure themselves and have a long-term vision. In the future, we will have to reckon with Rwanda.
The withdrawal of the city of Edmonton from the race for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 leaves Durban alone in the running. Do you think that the now almost certain organization of such an event could lead South Africa to give up a bid for the Summer Olympics in 2024?
It is still difficult to answer. It all depends on South Africa's initial logic regarding the Commonwealth Games. If Durban's bid was primarily aimed at strengthening its experience and expertise in organizing major events, then hosting the Commonwealth Games will not have any negative effects on a possible bid for the Olympic Games. Under the old formula of the IOC candidacy process, two years between the two events would have been too short a time frame for South Africa. But the situation has changed with Agenda 2020. From now on, Durban can embark on the adventure for 2024 with the help of other South African cities. The temptation to go there can be great, not necessarily to win, but with the desire to position yourself in the perspective of the 2028 Games.
Has the recent news surrounding a possible candidacy for Paris for the 2024 Games had a lot of impact in Africa?
We followed her. In Africa, everyone is waiting for a decision. But I didn't feel a real buzz around what happened last week, probably because there's nothing really new around the project. There is still a desire to go, but no one in France has yet pressed the detonator to say “Let’s go”. And then, the question from an African point of view is not so much when, but above all how Paris will be a candidate. France has had several unsuccessful attempts. We are now waiting for an application different from the previous ones.
