Author: Congo Times

Japan-Congo Partnership: A Roadmap for Development The recent diplomatic engagement between Japan and Congo signifies a strategic move towards enhancing infrastructure and sanitation in Congolese cities. Juste-Désiré Mondélé, Congo’s Minister of Urban Sanitation, Local Development, and Road Maintenance, returned from his mission in Japan with promising news. He announced the imminent arrival of advanced sanitation and road maintenance equipment manufactured by Japan’s renowned Sakai and Komatsu firms, expected to aid the country’s urban enhancement efforts. Meetings with Japanese officials, including Hiroshi Nakada, the Japanese State Minister for the Environment, underscored this burgeoning cooperation. Revitalizing Urban Centers with Japanese Expertise The…

A Diplomatic Visit Driven by Economic Aspirations On June 15th, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, Anatole Collinet Makosso, made an official five-day visit to Senegal with the explicit aim of bolstering bilateral relations. During this visit, Makosso articulated a compelling vision for enhancing commercial exchanges between these two African nations, urging the creation of a conducive environment for a more vibrant economic partnership. In an engagement with the Senegalese Press Agency, Makosso highlighted the instrumental role of commerce chambers and consular institutions in fostering this development. Identifying Strategic Sectors for Collaboration The visit enabled both countries to…

A Precipice of Conflict The United States’ decision to launch strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, specifically targeting Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, marks a pivot towards significant escalation in the already volatile relationship between Washington, Tehran, and Tel Aviv. Spearheaded by Donald Trump’s return to the White House with a hawkish foreign policy, this action is unequivocally a step toward open conflict with Iran, bespeaking profound strategic, regional, and global repercussions. Trump’s Calculated Escalation Dubbed a decisive victory by former President Donald Trump, the strikes have been touted as a preventive measure to avert Iran’s future nuclear ambitions. Trump’s rhetoric underscores…

Escalating Violence and Involvement of Foreign-backed Rebels The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to grapple with intense violence in its eastern regions, exacerbated by the involvement of foreign-backed rebel factions. This volatile situation has captured the attention of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, prompting urgent calls for scrutiny and intervention. Volker Türk addressed the Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting the alarming disregard for civilian safety perpetrated by Rwandan-supported M23 rebels, alongside Congolese troops and affiliated militias. Arbitrary Detentions and Inhumane Conditions Among the most disturbing findings are reports of arbitrary arrests led by M23 rebels…

Colonial Partition and the Birth of Two Congos The partitioning of the African continent in the late 19th century was a pivotal moment in the formation of two neighboring countries sharing the name Congo. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 set the stage for this division, as European powers delineated their respective spheres of influence across Africa. The Congo River basin, rich in resources and vital for trade routes, emerged as a centerpiece of colonial ambitions. French and Belgian Colonial Legacies The northern side of the Congo River came under French control, known as French Congo, and later integrated into French…

A Strategic Position at the Equator The Republic of the Congo, often referred to as Congo-Brazzaville, effortlessly straddles the Equator in the heart of West-Central Africa. This positioning makes it an intriguing nexus for a range of geopolitical dynamics. To distinguish itself from its larger neighbor, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is often identified by its capital, Brazzaville. With a significant portion of its population residing in urban centers, Brazzaville not only stands as a populous city but as a key inland port on the Congo River. The country is poised as a corridor for Central African trade…

Ivory Coast’s Ambitious Energy Vision The Republic of Ivory Coast aims to significantly bolster its oil output, setting a target to reach 200,000 barrels per day by 2030. This ambitious initiative underlines the country’s vision to fortify its position in the global energy sector, doubling its current production capacity, which stands at under 100,000 barrels daily. Strategic Milestone in the Energy Sector In parallel with its oil aspirations, the Ivorian government has unveiled plans to elevate natural gas production to 600 million cubic feet per day. These developments are part of a comprehensive strategy detailed in the newly launched Petroleum…

An Unprecedented Gathering for Congolese Artists In a pioneering event from June 18 to 21, 2025, the Union Syndicale des Artistes Congolais (USAC) under the adept leadership of Bongo Phopheta hosted a workshop of notable significance at the Jean-Baptiste Taty Loutard Cultural Centre in Pointe-Noire. This event, described as unprecedented by experienced observers of Congolese music, convened artists, musicians, managers, and young creators. It centered around vital themes for the professional advancement of the Congolese music industry, providing a unique platform for discourse and learning. Music as a Catalyst for Societal Sensitization Beyond its creative dimension, music stands as a…

Complex Geography and Rich Demography: The African Paradox Africa presents a paradoxical image on the global stage, possessing a wealth of cultural and demographic diversity yet often perceived as peripheral. The continent’s intricate geography and the richness of its civilizations are overshadowed by an overarching narrative that questions Africa’s coherence and contribution to global affairs. The continent echoes global events, both in its chaotic participation and its consequential silence. Globalization and Africa’s ‘Anti-Place’ Globalization, as distinct from mere geographical interactions, places Africa in an ‘anti-place’, a space where its potential is frequently negated. While ‘mundus’ describes interaction, ‘globus’ enforces a…

A Bold Venture in Deep Waters In a setting marked by economic aspirations and geopolitical strategies, Gambia embarked on a significant offshore oil exploration initiative. Under President Adama Barrow’s administration, this project represented a bold step towards economic diversification, with the two wells being drilled at a staggering cost of $100 million. However, as revealed during Barrow’s recent address to the National Assembly, the venture did not result in commercially viable oil discoveries. Economic Hopes and Realities The push for offshore drilling was driven by Gambia’s desire to reduce economic dependency on agriculture and fishing. The administration envisioned oil production…