Author: Congo Times

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…

Anatomy of a Viral Fabrication In June 2025, a video claiming that senior officials of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) were arrested in a secret international operation quickly garnered attention online. The video painted a vivid picture, suggesting a ‘transnational corruption syndicate’ and causing a stir across platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp. However, upon closer scrutiny by experts and official agencies, this narrative crumbles under the weight of its own falsehoods. Examining the Evidence — Or Lack Thereof The video purports to show a dramatic development with ANC members supposedly apprehended by international law enforcement in…

A Call for Unity in a Fragmented Landscape The forthcoming 2026 presidential elections in Congo-Brazzaville have already sparked significant political activity, with opposition figure Modeste Zoubabela urging for a unification of the disparate opposition forces through a primary system. In his letter to Pascal Tsaty Mabiala, the opposition leader, Zoubabela highlights the necessity for a collective and coherent front to effectively challenge the incumbent Party Congolais du Travail (PCT). The backdrop to this plea is a political climate fraught with division and conflicting agendas within the opposition. With past attempts at unity yielding limited success, as evidenced in the 2016…

A Disruptive Yet Compelling Protest The Club World Cup match at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia took an unexpected turn when a protester stormed the field with a banner reading, ‘Morocco, stop killing dogs and cats’. This surprising incident interrupted the game between Manchester City and Wydad Casablanca, as the protester capitalized on the event’s global exposure to address controversial issues related to Morocco’s treatment of stray animals. Amplified by Media and Public Outcry The brief disruption quickly garnered massive media attention, with images of the protest spreading rapidly across social media platforms. The display reignited international debate over…

A Legal Luminary in the Shadows In the intricate world of Senegalese politics, the name El Hadj Malick Sow emerges as a pivotal figure operating behind the scenes. As an esteemed former judge, Sow’s profound legal acumen has become indispensable to President Macky Sall, especially when contending with complex legislative matters. Sow’s involvement marks a significant influence on the intricate yet crucial process of legislative reform in Senegal. Steering Through Legal Challenges In recent years, Senegal has faced a myriad of legislative challenges requiring acute legal insights. These challenges have ranged from constitutional reforms to the adaptation of laws in…

Introduction to the Peace Initiative The prospect of a peace accord between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, slated for June 27, has generated cautious optimism among diplomatic circles. Central to this development is the involvement of the United States, which has undertaken a mediating role aimed at bridging deep-seated tensions between the two nations. The intrigue around this tentative accord hinges on whether this intervention can achieve what previous efforts could not: a lasting peace. Historical Context of Tensions The relationship between the DRC and Rwanda has been tumultuous, marred by mutual distrust and accusations, including DRC’s…

A Landmark Agreement in Washington The imminent peace accord between Congo and Rwanda, slated for signature in Washington on June 27, represents a potentially significant stride towards resolving ongoing hostilities in eastern Congo. This development, announced jointly by the two nations and the U.S. State Department, has fueled hopes for an enduring resolution to a conflict that has long beleaguered the mineral-rich region. However, this upcoming agreement is merely the latest chapter in a protracted saga of diplomatic efforts, often stymied by deep-seated mistrust and historical grievances. A Complex Web of Allegiances and Accusations The conflict in eastern Congo is…

Strained Franco-Nigerien Relations: A New Chapter In a move emblematic of the growing tensions between Niger and France, the Nigerien government has announced the nationalization of Somaïr, a subsidiary of the French uranium giant Orano. The decision was broadcast by Niger’s National Television, following a council of ministers meeting that accused Orano of irresponsible and hostile behavior against Niger’s sovereignty. By this nationalization, Niger has asserted full ownership over Somaïr’s assets, an action that potentially exacerbates the already frosty relations between Niamey and Paris. Geopolitical Ripples Beyond the Sahara The nationalization of Orano’s subsidiary is not occurring in a vacuum…

A Century of Missed Opportunities The historical trajectory of Africa’s electrification is marked by paradoxes and missed opportunities. As early as 1860, South Africa was pioneering in electrical technology, with innovations such as the arc lamp and telegraph systems. Despite these promising beginnings, by the time African nations gained independence in the 1960s, electrification remained limited to major urban areas. This stagnation can largely be attributed to the colonial focus on extractive industries, which prioritized resource extraction over the development of infrastructure such as electricity networks. The Urgency of the Current Energy Crisis With over 640 million Africans lacking access…