Author: Congo Times

A Star in the Beninese Media Horizon Raïssa Gbédji’s passing marks the end of an era in Beninese media, but her contributions ensure her legacy endures. Born with a talent for communication, her journey in journalism began at Golfe FM, where her voice became synonymous with integrity and storytelling excellence. Her evolution from a secretary to a respected voice at key stations, notably RFI in Cotonou, underscores a career defined by determination and professional rigor. Gbédji is remembered fondly for her natural authority and leadership, attributes that set a high standard for Beninese journalism. Melody of Journalism and Music Raïssa…

Sudden Shifts in the Ivorian Political Arena As Côte d’Ivoire approaches its presidential election in October 2025, surprising alignments are emerging within the opposition ranks. On June 19, the African People’s Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) led by former president Laurent Gbagbo, and the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) headed by Tidjane Thiam, proclaimed a strategic alliance. This ‘unified front’ has been formed to contest the exclusion of their leaders from electoral participation and to advocate for an inclusive political dialogue. A Democratic Urgency Motivating the Alliance The unexpected coalition underscores a sense of democratic urgency among the signatories.…

Colonial Division at the Berlin Conference The existence of two separate Congos today can be traced back to the European colonial division of Africa, formalized during the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885. This pivotal event set the stage for France and Belgium to claim territories rich in resources and strategically located around the Congo River basin, thus leading to divergent colonial paths and the eventual creation of two nations named after the river. Contrasting Colonial Administrations Under French control, the northern side of the Congo River was known as French Congo, which later evolved into the Republic of the Congo. French…

A Historical Tapestry Lying on the cusp of Central Africa, the Republic of the Congo, colloquially known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a country enshrouded in historical significance and complexity. Narratives of Bantu-speaking tribes, who established trade routes through the Congo River basin millennia ago, laid the foundation for the nation’s cultural landscape. The region’s past is punctuated by the ascendance of kingdoms such as Vungu and Loango, which emerged as prominent confederations by the 16th century. Colonial Imprint and Political Evolution The late 19th century marked a new era as France extended its influence, turning the region into part of French…

Understanding the Cultural Landscape The Republic of Congo, not to be confused with its neighbor the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a nation marked by a rich and complex cultural landscape. It holds a distinctive position in Central Africa with a culture deeply embedded in respect for social hierarchy and elders. This societal structure is a cornerstone of Congolese life, where deference to status is held in high regard above frankness and directness. Such cultural attributes are foundational, reflecting the broader ethos of harmony and respect that permeate various aspects of daily life. Family Dynamics and Roles In Congolese…

A Vibrant Celebration of African Creativity The prestigious Sky Awards made their debut from June 19 to June 21, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Economy, and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA), this event celebrated the continent’s finest in interior architecture, art, design, and craftsmanship. The awards aimed to bring African talent to the global fore, and the event did not disappoint, with an illustrious array of artists and designers in attendance. Celebrating Excellence and Visionary Talents The closing ceremony on June 21 was a vibrant affair, attended by professionals and…

The Elephant Overpopulation Issue Zimbabwe has found itself at the center of a contentious debate over its recent decision to cull elephants to manage overpopulation, with the government arguing that the ecological balance in the Savé Valley could tip dangerously due to an excess of pachyderms. Official data suggests that the park’s capacity is limited to 800 elephants, a stark contrast to the current estimate of 2,550, necessitating urgent intervention. Government Stance and Public Reactions Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for ZimParks, underscores the urgency by stating that the overcrowding of elephants not only endangers their habitat but also poses imminent risks…

An Ambitious Initiative Algeria has embarked on a culturally transformative journey with the launch of ‘The Night of Museums,’ an initiative announced by the Minister of Culture, Zouhir Ballalou. Taking center stage at the Musée des Antiquités d’Alger, the event marks the beginning of an immersive experience that aims to democratize access to national heritage by opening museums at night throughout the summer. This model not only aspires to attract a broader audience but also reconfirm Algeria’s dedication to cultural engagement, as seen with past exhibitions such as the ‘Panorama of Algerian Plastic Art 1954-2024.’ Enriching Cultural Experiences Underpinning this…

A Bold Religious Initiative for Peace In a significant diplomatic effort, the Catholic Church through the CENCO and the Protestant Church via the ECC have embarked on consultations to forge a peace agreement in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative was officially presented to President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi on June 21, 2025, signifying a pivotal step towards national reconciliation. Dialogue at the Heart of the Citadel The discussions between church leaders and President Tshisekedi transpired at the Cité de l’Union Africaine, lasting two intense hours. Mgr Donatien Nshole of CENCO and Pastor André Bokondoa of ECC conveyed the outcome of…

Aston’s Manifesto: Waste As Art In the vibrant cultural landscape of Benin, contemporary artist Aston, born Serge Mikpon, presents ‘Sources,’ a penetrating exhibition that invites audiences to confront societal issues through unconventional materials. Displayed at Le Centre, a prominent cultural space, Aston’s work transcends mere aesthetics and challenges viewers to reassess their daily habits and collective responsibilities. Utilizing discarded capsules, cigarette butts, and rusted padlocks, Aston crafts artworks that offer stark reflections on the human condition. His technique propels spectators into a dialogue with their environment, urging a re-evaluation of the overlooked aspects of daily life. Community Engagement and Artistic…