In preparation for the International Francophone Games set to begin this week, the government of Congo has taken measures to enhance security in the capital city of Kinshasa.

Approximately 4,500 additional police officers, supported by state security agents, have been deployed to ensure the safety of athletes participating in the event. Isidor Kwanja, the game's coordinator, stated that athletes will receive personal escorts from the police and that their accommodations have been equipped with surveillance cameras.

The decision to intensify security comes amidst concerns about the lack of safety in Kinshasa, further complicating the already challenging task for organizers of the 10-day Francophone Games. Originally scheduled for 2021, the event was postponed for two years to upgrade the city's infrastructure and meet international standards.

Authorities have been working diligently to complete construction projects, including tracks, sports stadiums, and accommodations in time for the games' start date on Friday. Participants have expressed worries about the security situation in Kinshasa, which is known for high levels of petty crime, muggings, and kidnappings for ransom.

Recent events, such as the murder of an opposition spokesman, have intensified doubts regarding the authorities' ability to maintain a secure environment for the athletes. Consequently, both Quebec from Canada and Wallonia from Belgium, regions with French-speaking populations, have reduced the number of athletes representing their territories to prioritize safety.

Despite these concerns, Kinshasa, the capital, is generally considered safer than other volatile regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly the mineral-rich east, which has been plagued by armed groups and mass displacements for many years.

Nonetheless, challenges in ensuring the safety of the participants during the Francophone Games remain a top priority for the government. More than 3,000 athletes from over 40 countries are expected to compete in the games, which are held every four years to promote the use of the French language.

As the event approaches, all eyes will be on the security measures in place and the ability of the authorities to successfully host a safe and successful International Francophone Games in Kinshasa.