Author: Congo Times

A Storm of Misinformation In a landscape where misinformation flourishes, the recent allegations against Françoise Joly stand out as a stark example of gender-targeted defamation. The envoy from Congo-Brazzaville has become the subject of a rumor storm, falsely accused of involvement in purchasing a Dassault jet through dubious means. Despite these claims gaining traction on social media, no judicial sources have corroborated any legal action against Joly in France or Congo. Diplomatic Successes Under Scrutiny Prior to these allegations, Joly’s track record in diplomacy was commendable. Her role in fostering economic ties between Congo-Brazzaville and nations like Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan…

The Viral Political Rumor As Kenya approaches its 2027 general elections, political climates are rife with speculation and rumors. Recently, a purported front page of The Standard newspaper circulated widely, suggesting that Rigathi Gachagua, former deputy president, refused to serve under Fred Matiang’i as deputy. This front page, however, has been confirmed as fake. The Claims and Controversy The spurious document featured a headline asserting, ‘Rigathi Rejects Deputy Role under Matiang’i,’ with a claim that a non-partisan political panel had favored Matiang’i for the presidency alongside Gachagua as his deputy. Allegedly dated June 3, 2025, it suggests Gachagua publicly declined…

A Step Towards Prominent Diplomacy in Brazzaville On June 18, Brazzaville witnessed a significant diplomatic event as Emma Clesh Atipo Ngapi, the second Vice President of the Municipal and Departmental Council, engaged with a delegation from the African Development Bank (BAD). Leading the delegation were the institution’s Secretary General, Prof. Vincent O. Nmehielle, and Dr. Léandre Bassolé, the Director General. This gathering was part of the preparatory efforts for the BAD’s annual assembly set to occur in May 2026 in the vibrant city of Brazzaville. The Strategic Importance of Hosting the BAD Annual Assembly The dialogue between the Congolese hosts…

Examining the Fabricated Report In recent Kenyan political developments, a sensational headline falsely reported that Rigathi Gachagua, the former deputy president, canceled his new political party’s launch amid a supposed flagbearer disagreement for the 2027 elections. Widely circulated on social media, this fabricated story claimed to originate from a reputable Kenyan newspaper, The Standard. Upon closer examination, Africa Check identified the source as a manipulated version of the newspaper’s front page, propagated by a notorious Facebook page known for creating counterfeit news. When scrutinized alongside authentic issues of The Standard, numerous discrepancies were evident. The altered headline deviates from the…

Mandela Washington Fellowship Disrupted The U.S.-imposed travel ban on Congolese nationals has cast a shadow over the Mandela Washington Fellowship, part of the Young African Leaders Initiative spearheaded by former President Barack Obama in 2010. Traditionally, this fellowship enables selected young Congolese leaders to participate in an intensive program at American universities. However, the recent travel restrictions, enacted on June 4 under the Trump administration, have deprived aspiring fellowship candidates of this year’s experience, essential for their personal and professional development. According to Chestine Makosso, president of YALI Congo, the situation is lamentable, particularly for the cohort of the 2025…

Kinshasa Meets Brazzaville in ‘Nisika’ The Congolese music scene has been set ablaze by the release of ‘Nisika’, a dynamic collaboration between two of Central Africa’s most vibrant musical talents, Innoss’B from Kinshasa and MC Baba from Brazzaville. This audacious project breaks new ground by blending soul-stirring amapiano and compelling rap rhythms, embodying a cultural convergence between two distinct yet harmonizing voices. Visual and Musical Symbiosis The music video accompanying ‘Nisika’, released on June 22, 2024, is a visual feast that amplifies the song’s energetic vibe. It features a bold aesthetic full of vibrant scenes and engaging choreography, reflecting the…

A Stage Set for Social Engagement On June 27, Makhalba Malecheck will captivate the Congolese urban music scene with a unique blend of tropical ambiance and social engagement. The event is set to transform the Jardin Club into a lively venue of music and meaningful dialogue in Brazzaville. This concert continues Malecheck’s commitment to marrying artistic expression with social causes, demonstrating the power of music to inspire change. From Stadium Crowds to Intimate Settings Following a massive youth mobilization at Stade Félix-Éboué in August 2024, where Malecheck championed the fight against juvenile delinquency, this year’s concert adopts a more personal…

The Power of Musical Gatherings Renowned for his vibrant stage presence and soulful melodies, Congolese artist Caprice Diconn, born Régis Caprice Malanda, will showcase his musical prowess in a live concert in the bustling city of Pointe-Noire. Scheduled for June 21 at 5 PM, the event will take place at Airtel City in the Mvoumvou district, providing a grand stage for Diconn’s latest artistic endeavor, Monotonie. This live performance seeks to transcend the boundaries of a traditional concert, promising an experience of union through the universal language of music. An Immersive Musical Experience Caprice Diconn aims to transform his stage…

Melodies at the Palais des Congrès This weekend, Brazzaville is ready to captivate music lovers with a concert by Himra at the Palais des Congrès. Taking place on Friday, June 20, at 4:00 PM, the event promises an afternoon filled with soulful tunes. Attendees will have the choice of tickets priced at 2,000 FCFA or 5,000 FCFA, offering an accessible yet enriching musical experience within the heart of the Congolese capital. Karaoke Rhythms at Miam Restaurant Meanwhile, for those looking to unleash their inner vocalist, the Miam restaurant offers an exciting karaoke night on the same day, starting from 7:30…

A Diplomatic Milestone in Healthcare On June 18, 2025, Brazzaville witnessed the inauguration of a new hemodialysis center at the University Hospital Center (CHU), marking a significant achievement in healthcare diplomacy. The ceremony saw the transfer of the center’s keys by Michel Mongo, representing the Congo Assistance Foundation’s president, Antoinette Sassou N’Guesso, to Jean Rosaire-Ibara, Congo’s Minister of Health. This center is strategically located near the Antoinette Sassou-N’Guesso Sickle Cell Disease National Reference Center, aligning with broader healthcare integration efforts. Healthcare Access Through Strategic Partnerships The center promises affordable access to specialized treatments for patients suffering from both sickle cell…