Author: Congo Times

The Core of the Controversy The burgeoning discord between the Tunisian Transport Union and TRANSTU stems from the contested appointment of a high-ranking official within Tunisia’s primary public transport entity. The General Transport Union, operating under the influential umbrella of the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), has cast doubts on the legality of the CEO’s choice, branding it as unilaterally executed and allegedly infringing upon established civil service laws and administrative guidelines. Union’s Demand for Immediate Action In its formal declaration, the union has articulated a clear demand: the immediate annulment of the contentious appointment and the resolution of its…

The Event and Its Objectives On June 21, a thought-provoking conference titled ‘Congolese Music Amidst International Demands’ took place at the French Institute of Congo in Pointe-Noire. This initiative, led by Prescom Media and its director Gildas Bakala, aimed to arm local artists, managers, and producers with the necessary tools for achieving international acclaim. These yearly gatherings coincide with the celebration of World Music Day, offering valuable insights before the night concludes with a grand concert at Canal Olympia Mpita. Insights from Industry Experts The discussion panel featured renowned figures such as Charlemagne Mayassi, a cultural manager and producer, Jean-Marc…

A Leadership Transition in Unsettling Times On June 22, 2025, at the 67th summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, was appointed as the new chair of the organization. This election marks a departure from the traditional linguistic rotation between Francophone and Anglophone leaders, signaling a potentially new era of leadership for the region. Julius Maada Bio steps into this role succeeding Nigeria’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu, inheriting an organization weakened by the departures of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Fragmentation and Instability: The Challenges Ahead ECOWAS, established…

Strategic Mobilization of Maritime Resources In an unprecedented logistical endeavor, Morocco’s Transport Ministry has introduced a robust maritime strategy to tackle the overwhelming flow of passengers and vehicles anticipated during the annual ‘Marhaba’ operation. This year’s plan includes deploying 29 vessels over 13 strategic routes, further enhancing the country’s capacity to manage heightened summer travel demands. Minister Abdessamad Kayouh, during his address to Parliament, underscored the significance of these enhancements, emphasizing the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders to ensure seamless travel for an estimated 7.5 million passengers and 2 million vehicles. Aviation Enhancements and Open Sky Policy Complementing the maritime…

Unveiling Systemic Challenges On June 19, in a candid press briefing, Professor Thierry Raoul Alexis Gombet, the director of Brazzaville’s University Hospital Center (CHU-B), highlighted the severe challenges faced by the institution. His detailed exposition provided an unvarnished view of how systemic issues, compounded by financial strictures and infrastructural inadequacies, are impeding the hospital’s operations. A Double Crisis: Health and Finance The CHU-B finds itself ensnared in a dual crisis of healthcare service delivery and financial constraints. According to Prof. Gombet, a global health crisis followed by a financial downturn has exacerbated the difficulties of maintaining hospital operations. A critical…

A Strategic Healthcare Collaboration The recent partnership between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Japan’s Nipro Group signifies a transformative chapter in the nation’s healthcare landscape. This collaboration aims to fortify the country’s approach to managing renal diseases. By leveraging Nipro’s expertise, the DRC intends to revolutionize its dialysis services, ultimately reducing the need for patients to seek medical treatment abroad—a scenario that has long posed both logistical and financial burdens. From Contract to Implementation The formalization of this partnership marks the culmination of intricate negotiations and administrative preparations. The now-signed agreement paves the way for a swift transition…

Historical Rifts and Political Turmoil The political landscape in Zimbabwe has been tumultuous ever since the coup that saw Emmerson Mnangagwa ascend to power, ousting long-time leader Robert Mugabe. The internal discord led to a significant rupture within the ruling ZANU-PF party, giving rise to the G40 (Generation 40) faction. Comprised mainly of younger members aligned with former First Lady Grace Mugabe, the G40 found itself in opposition once the Mnangagwa-led faction gained the upper hand. Forced into self-exile, these members are now reportedly making attempts to return to Zimbabwe and reintegrate into the political mainstream. A Calculated Return: Navigating…

From Estrangement to Engagement Historically, France and Morocco have shared a close and strategic relationship characterized by robust economic ties and strong people-to-people connections. Nonetheless, in recent years, this friendship faced significant strains due primarily to the contentious issue of Western Sahara and France’s visa policies. The Moroccan government viewed France’s cautious stance on the Western Sahara matter as a lack of support for Rabat’s sovereignty claims, leading to mounting tensions. Diplomatic Deep Freeze The dispute over Western Sahara emerged as the main bone of contention. Morocco regards this region as integral to its national unity, while France had opted…

The Perception Gap in African Economies In recent years, African economies have made significant strides in growth and modernization, yet a persistent narrative continues to overshadow these advancements. Often referred to as the ‘Africa risk premium,’ this narrative is less a reflection of current realities and more a product of outdated perceptions. The consequence is a formidable barrier to investment that sits not in tangible risks but rather within the realm of perspective distortions perpetuated by global media outlets. The Media’s Role in Shaping Economic Realities Global media platforms play a substantial role in shaping perceptions of Africa across international…

A Fiscal Catastrophe in the Making Africa’s debt dilemma presents a complex challenge that demands immediate attention. With burgeoning national debts exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, many African economies are precariously teetering on the brink of insolvency. The continent’s financial plight is compounded by rising interest rates, inflationary pressures, and persistent poverty. It’s against this backdrop that the Stiglitz Report, spearheaded by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, provides a set of enlightened proposals aimed at transforming Africa’s fiscal landscape. The Stiglitz Report: A Vision for Debt Alleviation The report, commissioned by the Vatican, offers six pivotal proposals designed to tackle Africa’s…