Author: Congo Times

A Silver Lining on Fuel Crises Horizon In a few months, the Democratic Republic of Congo may witness a significant alleviation of its chronic fuel shortages as the Fouta Refinery near Pointe-Noire begins operations. Expected to be completed by the end of 2025, this new facility marks a pivotal development, not just in addressing domestic supply issues but potentially positioning Congo as a net exporter of refined petroleum products. This optimism is backed by historical insights and robust infrastructural commitments. Legacy of Petroleum Distribution in Congo Congo’s fuel distribution has been tumultuous, characterized by periods of scarcity dating back to…

A New Fiscal Era for Gabon In a bid to steer Gabon away from its troubled fiscal past, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has embarked on a journey of austere financial reform. Convening his government in a pivotal Council of Ministers meeting on June 20, 2025, the President introduced stringently prudent measures aimed at curbing state expenditures. At the heart of these changes lies an ambitious objective: to rehabilitate public finances and dismantle the entrenched excesses that undermined the previous administration. Inherited Challenges and an Overgrown State Emerging amidst an environment tainted by fiscal mismanagement and endemic corruption, President Nguema…

Radio Brazzaville: A Beacon in Troubled Times During the tumultuous years of World War II, Radio Brazzaville emerged as an emblem of resolve and defiance. Established in 1940, the station became the mouthpiece of Free France, broadcasting across continents from equatorial Africa. Its creation was not only a strategic move but a daring endeavor, initiated in a period where French territories were divided between Vichy and Free French forces. Strategic Positioning: The Heart of Free France in Africa Brazzaville, the capital of French Equatorial Africa, quickly turned into a pivotal stronghold for Charles de Gaulle’s forces. The strategic relocation to…

The Genesis of a Symbol Amidst the tumultuous era of World War II, Radio-Brazzaville stands out as a unique emblem of defiance and hope. As France fell under the dark shadow of German occupation in June 1940, the indomitable spirit of resistance found its voice, not just in London through General de Gaulle, but also from the unexpected quarters of equatorial Africa. This transformation was largely facilitated by Felix Éboué, the then Governor of Chad, whose pivotal decision to rally behind de Gaulle laid the groundwork for the establishment of French Free territories. This allegiance turned Brazzaville into a burgeoning…

Scaling the Financial Ladder Amidst economic uncertainties and a growing fiscal deficit, Kenya has ascended to the fourth position among the largest beneficiaries of the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) project financing for the year 2024. This advancement places Kenya just behind South Africa, Morocco, and Nigeria, marking a notable achievement in the nation’s economic policies under President William Ruto. Current Financial Standings Leading the pack, South Africa has secured project approvals worth $1.42 billion, followed by Nigeria with $881.2 million, and Morocco with $614.8 million. Trailing not far behind, Egypt claims the fifth spot with $516.3 million. The AfDB’s overall…

Japan-Congo Partnership: A Roadmap for Development The recent diplomatic engagement between Japan and Congo signifies a strategic move towards enhancing infrastructure and sanitation in Congolese cities. Juste-Désiré Mondélé, Congo’s Minister of Urban Sanitation, Local Development, and Road Maintenance, returned from his mission in Japan with promising news. He announced the imminent arrival of advanced sanitation and road maintenance equipment manufactured by Japan’s renowned Sakai and Komatsu firms, expected to aid the country’s urban enhancement efforts. Meetings with Japanese officials, including Hiroshi Nakada, the Japanese State Minister for the Environment, underscored this burgeoning cooperation. Revitalizing Urban Centers with Japanese Expertise The…

A Diplomatic Visit Driven by Economic Aspirations On June 15th, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, Anatole Collinet Makosso, made an official five-day visit to Senegal with the explicit aim of bolstering bilateral relations. During this visit, Makosso articulated a compelling vision for enhancing commercial exchanges between these two African nations, urging the creation of a conducive environment for a more vibrant economic partnership. In an engagement with the Senegalese Press Agency, Makosso highlighted the instrumental role of commerce chambers and consular institutions in fostering this development. Identifying Strategic Sectors for Collaboration The visit enabled both countries to…

A Precipice of Conflict The United States’ decision to launch strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, specifically targeting Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, marks a pivot towards significant escalation in the already volatile relationship between Washington, Tehran, and Tel Aviv. Spearheaded by Donald Trump’s return to the White House with a hawkish foreign policy, this action is unequivocally a step toward open conflict with Iran, bespeaking profound strategic, regional, and global repercussions. Trump’s Calculated Escalation Dubbed a decisive victory by former President Donald Trump, the strikes have been touted as a preventive measure to avert Iran’s future nuclear ambitions. Trump’s rhetoric underscores…

Escalating Violence and Involvement of Foreign-backed Rebels The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to grapple with intense violence in its eastern regions, exacerbated by the involvement of foreign-backed rebel factions. This volatile situation has captured the attention of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, prompting urgent calls for scrutiny and intervention. Volker Türk addressed the Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting the alarming disregard for civilian safety perpetrated by Rwandan-supported M23 rebels, alongside Congolese troops and affiliated militias. Arbitrary Detentions and Inhumane Conditions Among the most disturbing findings are reports of arbitrary arrests led by M23 rebels…

Colonial Partition and the Birth of Two Congos The partitioning of the African continent in the late 19th century was a pivotal moment in the formation of two neighboring countries sharing the name Congo. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 set the stage for this division, as European powers delineated their respective spheres of influence across Africa. The Congo River basin, rich in resources and vital for trade routes, emerged as a centerpiece of colonial ambitions. French and Belgian Colonial Legacies The northern side of the Congo River came under French control, known as French Congo, and later integrated into French…