Author: Congo Times

Reviving the Silver Screen The absence of cinema halls in Cameroon has long stood as a cultural desert for film enthusiasts. However, a remarkable initiative by Cinémathèque Afrique is transforming this landscape by deploying a cinema caravan across the nation. This innovative project aims to bring iconic African films to regions where such cultural experiences remain a distant dream. Cinema on Wheels The mobile digital cinema, a testament to creative problem-solving in the face of infrastructure deficits, journeys through rural villages and urban neighborhoods where cinema houses are non-existent. By showcasing selections from a vast catalog of about 1,500 films,…

A Strategic Assembly in Congo’s Football On June 20 in Brazzaville, the Congo Football Federation announced their technical lineup for the ‘Diables Rouges A’. Significant talents such as Barthélémy Ngatsono and Cédric Nanitélamio, both holding A licenses from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), helm the campaign. Their task is clear: to propel the team to unprecedented achievements in the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN), held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Navigating the Group of Challenge Housed in Group D, the Congolese team faces formidable opponents like Senegal, Nigeria, and Sudan, with Zanzibar serving as their base. This selection by…

Reinventing African Noir: The Birth of ‘Indomptables’ Released on June 11th, ‘Indomptables’, a film by Thomas Ngijol, emerges as a groundbreaking African crime noir, set in a richly painted, twilight Yaoundé. Breaking from traditional narratives, it brings a raw portrayal of African urban life, unflinching in the face of political intrigue and intimate betrayal. This debut feature defies clichés and folklore, offering a strikingly honest narrative. Plot Dynamics: Beneath the Surface of Corruption Beneath its surface, ‘Indomptables’ unravels as a classic crime drama. Yet, Ngijol’s masterpiece transcends genre norms. The film portrays the ethical turmoil of a neighborhood cop, Commissioner…

Convergence de la Musique et de l’Écologie Le 20 juin 2025, le paisible village de Vains dans la Manche accueille la légende du reggae africain, Tiken Jah Fakoly, au sein du Green River Valley Festival. Dans un cadre acoustique intimiste, l’artiste ivoirien explore la symbiose entre musique engagée et responsabilité écologique, thèmes au cœur d’un festival qui s’érige comme un modèle d’intégrité et de pertinence sociale. Retour aux Sources Musicales Après avoir parcouru les scènes mondiales ce printemps, de Rabat à Paris en passant par Abidjan, Tiken Jah Fakoly opte pour une performance acoustique authentique. Accompagné de sa guitare et…

An Exploration of Silences Cameroonian author Hemley Boum’s new novel, ‘The Fisherman’s Dream’, intricately weaves a powerful narrative between Douala and Paris. The story unfolds through the lens of a grandfather and his grandson, separated not only by generations but by the silence that speaks volumes about their shared yet unspoken family history. The novel delves into unvoiced family dynamics, the enduring scars of colonialism, and the deep emotional upheavals that shape individual lives. A Journey Through Time and Memory The novel begins as Zack, a young French-Cameroonian, leaves Paris following a severe depression, returning to his roots in Douala,…

The Geo-Political Landscape of Porto-Novo Porto-Novo, the official capital of Benin, paradoxically receives less attention and investment compared to its bustling counterpart, Cotonou. Despite its strategic geographic advantages, Porto-Novo remains on the sidelines in terms of developmental focus from policymakers. The reasons for this neglect are multifaceted, rooted in historical decisions and contemporary economic strategies that prioritize immediate returns over long-term cultural and socio-economic gains. Historic Legacy and the Abomey-Calavi Paradigm The historic transfer of the university from Porto-Novo to Abomey-Calavi in 1970 stands as a symbolic moment that has had lasting impacts on the region’s socio-economic and cultural landscape.…

Pointe-Noire’s Healthcare Struggles Resurface The syndicates of three major hospitals in Pointe-Noire, namely Adolphe Sicé, Loandjili, and Ngoyo, have reignited widespread industrial action as of June 18, 2025. This resurgence of strikes, initially announced on June 16, casts a shadow over the healthcare services, exacerbating the challenges in these medical facilities by suspending even the minimal operational standards. The immediate response from local authorities led by Pierre Cébert Iboko-Onanga has been to initiate negotiations, involving a delegation from Brazzaville aimed at establishing a minimal service protocol amidst the ongoing unrest. Financial Woes Behind the Strikes The governmental oversight is crucial…

A New Beginning for Brazzaville’s Waste Management Since Thursday, the Congolese capital of Brazzaville has witnessed a breath of fresh air with the commencement of waste management activities by the Turkish firm Albayrak Waste Management Company. This development comes two months after a foundational agreement was signed between the Congolese government and the Turkish enterprise. Albayrak is succeeding Averda, a company whose contract ended in September 2024, leaving Brazzaville with significant waste management challenges. Cautious Optimism amid Infrastructure Challenges Albayrak’s director, Ersoy Necmettin, expresses cautious optimism about addressing the waste issues that have plagued Brazzaville’s streets. The firm has initiated…

The Strategic Vision Unveiled On June 18, 2025, the bustling city of Dakar served as the backdrop for a pivotal event organized by Senegal’s Banque Nationale pour le Développement Économique (BNDE). The bank underscored its commitment to bolstering local enterprises operating within the lucrative mines and hydrocarbons sector. This commitment is further cemented by the recent agreement with the Comité national de suivi du contenu local (CNSCL), initiated in August 2024. Navigating Financial and Strategic Challenges The session, a confluence of public and private stakeholders, reiterated the financial and strategic challenges inherent in the extractive sector. Dr. Mor Bakhoum, the…

Digital Strategy and Its Challenges The Republic of Congo’s ambitions for digital transformation underscore significant strategic dimensions, where the information superhighways are crucial for competitiveness, sovereignty, and sustainable development. The country, leveraging its geographical advantages and infrastructural capabilities, is determined to enhance and expedite its digital transformation. However, the practical challenges cannot be understated, particularly regarding women’s access to digital tools, which remains notably limited. Vision 2030 and Gender Inclusivity A pivotal element of Congo’s digital advancement is encapsulated in the ‘Vision 2030’ strategy, which explicitly promotes digital competencies among women. Complemented by initiatives from mobile telecom companies, this strategy…