The Congolese Minister of Youth and Sports, Banza Mukalay Sungu, has imposed a strict penalty on federations whose athletes engaged in a mass escape during the 7th Francophonie Games in Nice. In response to the incident, the minister has announced the suspension of the signing of mission orders for athletes traveling to the West until 2015. This punitive measure applies to several federations, including athletics, football (for U-23s), basketball, cycling, judo, and table tennis.
The escape involved approximately ten African athletes, including seven basketball players, two cyclists, and a footballer, who deserted the Francophonie Games in Nice.
Expressing disappointment in the federations, Minister Banza Mukalay Sungu stated that they had failed to uphold their commitment to the Congolese government and the Schengen House. He remarked on Radio Okapi, “It’s deplorable. The government has put a lot of resources into ensuring that we participate in these games.” The decision to suspend mission orders reflects the government’s disapproval of the federations’ actions during the international sporting event.
