Author: Congo Times

A Resurfacing Political Contention In recent weeks, the arrest of Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire has reignited debate on political freedoms within the country. Ingabire, who has long been the face of resistance against President Paul Kagame’s regime, faces serious charges of inciting public unrest and forming a criminal organization. These allegations, however, have been categorically dismissed by her legal representatives as baseless and politically motivated. Historical Context and Previous Encounters with the Law Ingabire’s history with Rwanda’s judicial system is fraught with controversy. The leader of the Dalfa-Umurinzi party returned to Rwanda in 2010 with presidential ambitions. Nonetheless, she…

Initiating a New Vision for Aviation Burkina Faso has embarked on a transformative journey to reshape its aviation landscape by establishing the Société des Aéroports du Burkina Faso (SABF). Announced on June 18, 2025, this new public enterprise is poised to spearhead the construction, development, management, and modernization of the nation’s airport infrastructure. The endeavor is directly overseen by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility, reflecting the government’s strategic emphasis on upgrading its aerial network. Streamlining Structures for Efficiency The formation of the SABF heralds significant structural changes within Burkina Faso’s aviation management. The new entity will absorb the…

Convergence de Leaders pour l’Afreximbank 2025 Abuja se prépare à accueillir une étape diplomatique majeure avec la tenue de la 32e édition des Assemblées annuelles de l’African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Cet événement, se déroulant du 25 au 27 juin 2025, réunira un ensemble diversifié de décideurs, allant des chefs d’État aux ministres, en passant par les banquiers centraux et les investisseurs de premier plan. Ces personnalités proviennent de toute l’Afrique, mais également des Caraïbes et d’autres régions, soulignant l’importance croissante de la coopération Sud-Sud. Afro-Caribéen : Nouvelles Dynamiques de Coopération Dans un monde en rapide mutation, l’Afreximbank se veut un…

BRVM’s Market Capitalization Hits New Heights On June 20, 2025, the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) proudly announced a staggering achievement in its journey. The stock market capitalization soared to an unprecedented 12,070 billion FCFA, equivalent to over 21 billion dollars. This record marks an astounding 2,000 billion FCFA increase within a mere six months, reflecting a remarkable growth rate of 19.76% since December 31, 2024. A Robust Five-Year Growth Trajectory The past five years have been transformative for the BRVM, boasting a cumulative growth of 176%. Key annual performances include a 39.33% rise in 2021, followed by 24.23%…

A Viral Experiment in Algiers A peculiar event at Algiers Airport captured widespread attention when a traveler walked through the terminals in nothing but white socks to test the area’s cleanliness. His methodical approach, captured on video and quickly disseminated across social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, soon garnered millions of views. Dubbed ‘the sock incident,’ this act led to a broader discussion about public space maintenance, notably within the African continent. Divided Reactions: Praise and Criticism The traveler’s initiative was not accidental but a carefully executed test of cleanliness. Starting at the airport entrance and ending inside…

The Launch of Baccalaureate Exams In the Pool Department of Congo, the commencement of the general baccalaureate examinations was marked by strict invigilation and a commitment to curb academic dishonesty. On June 17, at Boko, 4,546 candidates, divided among series A4, D, and C, embarked on this crucial academic journey. These examinations were distributed across 16 examination centers, including notable institutions such as Lycée 5 Février 1979 in Kinkala, Kintélé, and Collège d’Igné. An Appeal for Academic Integrity Jules Mounkala Tchoumou, the Prefect of Pool, underscored the significance of maintaining integrity during the exams. He warned candidates against engaging in…

Niger’s Bold Move to Nationalize SOMAIR In a decisive move, the military authorities of Niger have announced the nationalization of the SOMAIR uranium mines, previously dominated by France’s Orano with a 63.4% stake. This strategic decision, taken during a ministerial council on June 19, 2025, sees the full transfer of ownership to the state of Niger, through its entity, SOPAMIN, which initially held 36.6%. The government’s rationale emphasizes the aspiration for more local benefits and sustainable resource management critical for Niger’s economic prosperity. Underlying Grievances and Allegations The nationalization did not arise in a vacuum. It follows a series of…

Apeec’s Call for Government Action Amid rising concerns about the integrity of Congo’s educational system, the Association of Parents and Educators of Congo (Apeec) has made a public plea urging the government to implement stringent measures against malfeasance within private education institutions. On June 19, in a significant public declaration made in Brazzaville, Apeec’s Secretary General, Mr. Benjamin Kimona, highlighted the urgent need for exemplary and severe sanctions targeting private schools that have been found guilty of serious discrepancies, including financial exploitation of students through false registration for examinations. Addressing Sexual Misconduct in Schools Another distressing aspect brought to light…

The Stakes in Group D As the sun sets over Nashville on June 20, a high-stakes soccer encounter awaits at the GEODIS Park. Esperance Sportive de Tunis faces Los Angeles FC in a decisive fixture in the 2025 Club World Cup’s Group D. Trounced in their previous matches against Flamengo and Chelsea respectively, both teams now stand precariously at zero points. With two favorites, Flamengo and Chelsea, leading the group, the loser of this evening’s game may bid adieu to their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. Los Angeles FC: North America’s Rising Stars Founded merely a decade ago,…

Congo’s Water Crisis Unveiled In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Regie de distribution d’eau, better known as Regideso, disclosed that it produced a staggering 336.284.849 cubic meters of water in 2024, drawing in revenues amounting to 464.8 billion Congolese francs, approximately 163 million US dollars. This announcement by the company’s director general, David Tshilumba, marked a pivotal moment in emphasizing the immense challenge of addressing the nation’s water supply dilemma amid rising demands and financial shortfalls. Financial Woes Amidst Operational Challenges The substantial revenue might be misleading as Regideso grapples with multifarious challenges including outdated infrastructure, inconsistent power…