Author: Congo Times

Revitalizing Land Management in Makoua: A Collaborative Venture In a keen move to bolster land management frameworks, an FAO-financed initiative commenced in Brazzaville on June 20th. The project, aimed at refining land governance, targets the indigenous land structures within Makoua district, part of the Cuvette Department. The launch heralds a collaborative effort emphasizing capacity-building among stakeholders, aligning with the voluntary guidelines on land tenure, and situating Congolese land policies within a broader African context. Innovative Approaches to Customary Land Use The project unfolds across four principal vectors, notably including a diagnostic assessment of the prevailing land situation, placing particular emphasis…

Fostering Collaboration Through Capacity Building On June 21st, the Observatoire Congolais des Droits de l’Homme (OCDH) launched a pivotal capacity-building workshop in Brazzaville. Drawing in fifty association members from various localities, including the Likouala department, the workshop is centered on refining networking strategies within civil societies. Unpacking the Workshop’s Core Objectives As stressed by the OCDH’s Executive Director, Nina Cynthia Kiyindou Yombo, the workshop places a significant emphasis on demystifying the concepts of networking and advocacy. These themes, while recognizable to many participants, often lack clarity in practical application. The workshop aims to furnish participants with a robust understanding of…

Luanda Takes Center Stage for the 17th US-Africa Business Summit From June 22 to June 25, Luanda will serve as a pivotal meeting ground for the 17th edition of the US-Africa Business Summit. The event, spearheaded by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in conjunction with the Angolan government, sets a progressive theme of ‘Paths to Prosperity: A Shared Vision for US-Africa Partnership.’ This prestigious summit is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including influential political leaders, ministers, and enterprise leaders from both continents. The focus will be laid on nurturing mutual trade and investment, aiming to open new frontiers…

A New Chapter in Cultural Cooperation In an emblematic gesture of cultural diplomacy, a promising partnership has been announced between the Pierre-Savorgnan-de-Brazza Memorial in Congo and the Independence Museum of Namibia. This announcement was made by Lauria Nguelet, the Congolese Ambassador to Namibia, to Bélinda Ayessa, the director of the memorial. This collaboration is envisaged as a pivotal step towards enhancing the visibility of Congolese culture in Namibia, and further affirms the memorial’s growing international allure. Bridges Built Through Mutual Interests The intention behind this partnership is not merely ceremonial; it is driven by the earnest desire to exchange cultural…

The Antecedents of an Approaching Congress Slated for the second half of the year, the ordinary congress of the Union Panafricaine pour la Démocratie Sociale (UPADS) is gradually taking form. The party’s preparatory commission met on June 20 in Brazzaville for its third and final plenary session to fine-tune the topics to be debated at the congress, although an official date remains pending. Key Agendas on the Table Led by the chairman of the preparatory committee, Adam Boussou Diangou, the meeting aims to address eight pivotal points over three days. The committee plans to adopt new fundamental party texts, including…

A Celebration of Legacy and Future Aspirations On the 64th anniversary of the Congolese Armed Forces, the focus extended beyond commemorating past achievements to contemplating future challenges and solidifying military integration. The Minister of Defense, Charles Richard Mondjo, highlighted this dual approach, underscoring that the anniversary was not merely an end but the beginning of a renewed strategic vision. Mondjo emphasized the vital need for integrating forces through joint doctrinal platforms, optimizing material and human resources, and enhancing territorial management in response to new administrative boundaries. Addressing Geopolitical and Geostrategic Realities Mondjo called attention to the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape, stressing…

Record Heat and Drought in Morocco: A Decade’s Summary In an alarming revelation by Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology, 2024 emerged as the hottest and driest year the nation has faced in over a decade. Unveiled during a June 2025 climate briefing in Rabat, the report highlights that the average temperature rose by a staggering 1.49°C, over twice the global average increase of 0.67°C. This local warming surpasses the critical 2°C threshold outlined by the 2015 Paris Agreement, threatening to unleash irreversible climate impacts. The Disproportionate Burden on the Global South Morocco’s predicament underscores the stark climate inequities faced by…

UIR: Leading in Sustainable Development The International University of Rabat (UIR) has proudly maintained its dominant position among Moroccan universities in the International Times High Education (THE) Impact Rankings for the third consecutive year. This ranking, which was recently released, involved 14 Moroccan universities, with UIR standing out for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to a university press release, UIR’s exemplary performance is particularly notable in SDG 17, focusing on partnerships to achieve objectives, and SDG 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, UIR excels in SDG 16—fostering peace, justice, and…

The Asian Diplomatic Tour: A Campaign Like No Other In a move that underscores the growing importance of Asia within global diplomatic circles, Firmin Edouard Matoko, the Republic of Congo’s candidate for the Director-General position of UNESCO, completed an ambitious tour across several Asian nations. Visiting Jakarta, Beijing, New Delhi, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Hanoi, Matoko engaged in profound discussions with national authorities and UNESCO delegations. The tour was not merely an exercise in diplomacy but an assertion of Matoko’s vision for a more dynamic and inclusive UNESCO. Garnering Support and Building Partnerships Throughout his visits, Matoko was met with a…

The Urgent Financial Gap As the international financing landscape tightens and trade policies grow increasingly protectionist, Africa is at a crucial juncture in its pursuit of sustainable development. Experts assert that the continent’s progress hinges on a structural transformation towards self-sufficiency, the strategic exploitation of its abundant natural resources, and the establishment of resilient partnerships. The African financial framework traces its challenges back to historically imposed global financial structures, such as the Bretton Woods agreements, which many deem outdated and misaligned with Africa’s aspirations. Quantifying the Investment Requirement The United Nations’ 2024 report emphasizes Africa’s need for between $1.3 to…