Author: Congo Times

A Brewing Conflict: Impact on Heineken’s Operations In a move prompted by heightened instability, Heineken has withdrawn from its Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) operations. As of June 12, 2025, armed rebels seized control of the brewer’s facilities in major cities Bukavu and Goma, signaling a downturn in the regional security climate. This development follows Heineken’s previous suspension of operations in March, citing threats from ongoing clashes between government forces and rebel groups in the region. Economic Repercussions and Humanitarian Concerns Heineken’s cessation of operations in Eastern DRC poses significant economic challenges, notably in the cities of Goma, Bukavu,…

Geopolitical Positioning in Central Africa The Republic of the Congo, often distinguished as Congo-Brazzaville, is strategically located in Central Africa, sharing borders with five countries: Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Gabon. The Congo River, which significantly demarcates Congo-Brazzaville’s eastern frontier from the DRC, has been pivotal to the region’s development and history. Named after the historic Kongo kingdom, the river is a lifeline for the area’s ecology and commerce. A Historical Tapestry of Colonialism and Independence French colonialism profoundly influenced the Congo from 1891 until its independence in 1960. Known initially…

Geopolitical Setting and Historical Context The Republic of the Congo, or Congo-Brazzaville, occupies a strategic position on the western coast of Central Africa, west of the Congo River. This location has made it a focal point of cultural and historical exchanges, bordered by Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with the Angolan exclave of Cabinda and the Atlantic Ocean. Historically, the region was dominated by Bantu-speaking tribes over 3,000 years ago, establishing trade routes into the Congo River basin. The influence of these tribes waned as European colonization took hold in the…

An Urban Nation on the Equator The Republic of the Congo, often referred to as Congo-Brazzaville to distinguish it from its larger neighbor the Democratic Republic of the Congo, presents a fascinating study of contrasts. Nestled across the equator in west-central Africa, this nation is characterized by its sparse population, with over half the population residing in urban centers. Brazzaville, the capital, stands as the heartbeat of the country, a major hub situated on the banks of the Congo River. Despite the concentration of population in cities, the challenges of urban infrastructure and services remain formidable. The Political Landscape: Stability…

Geographical Position and Borders The Republic of the Congo, strategically positioned in Central Africa, shares borders with several nations: Cameroon to the northwest, the Central African Republic to the northeast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo across its southern and eastern boundaries, Gabon to the west, and Cabinda, an Angolan exclave, to the southwest. Additionally, its geographical significance is amplified by a stretch of Atlantic Ocean coastline in the west. Covering approximately 342,000 square kilometers, the country is a mosaic of dense rainforests covering about 70% of its landmass, rendering it a key player in global biodiversity conservation efforts. Topographical…

Recognizing Indigenous Excellence in Impfondo In a laudable acknowledgment of indigenous entrepreneurship, the Forum Horizon Initiative and Creativity (Fhic) held its annual gathering in Impfondo, located in the Likouala department of the Congo. During this event, key members of indigenous communities were celebrated for their contributions to local economic development, particularly in the agricultural and aquaculture sectors. Awards and Recognition for Community Leaders The forum awarded its prestigious ‘prince’ prize to Roland Bakéké, an indigenous fisherman, in recognition of his dedication to agriculture. In addition, individuals such as Guillaume Matala and Alida received bronze and silver awards, highlighting their impactful…

Les ambitions économiques du Sénégal En juin 2025, lors des assemblées générales de l’African Trade and Investment Development Initiative (ATIDI) à Luanda, le Sénégal a dévoilé un ambitieux plan de développement économique. Ce plan étend sa vision économique jusqu’en 2050, soulignant le rôle central de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière dans cette stratégie. L’exploitation des ressources naturelles est positionnée comme un catalyseur vital pour propulser le Sénégal vers une économie diversifiée et moderne. La production énergétique comme levier de croissance Le début de la production pétrolière en 2024 et le démarrage de l’exploitation gazière en 2025 sont des jalons clés que…

UNESCO’s Creative Tribute to Moroccan Textiles Recently, UNESCO unveiled ‘Matières à rêver’, a captivating exploration of Morocco’s textile, clothing, and leather sectors. This release, celebrated at UNESCO’s Office for the Maghreb in Rabat, transcends a mere documentary. With seventy original photographs, the book offers an immersive gaze into a sector that is a cornerstone of Morocco’s dynamic economy. According to UNESCO, the work addresses contemporary challenges, emphasizing aspects such as sustainability, innovation, and social inclusivity. Navigating the Modern Challenges In an age of accelerating change characterized by digital advancements, ecological transitions, and the emergence of fast fashion, ‘Matières à rêver’…

A Pivotal Election in Turbulent Times In November 2025, the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO will convene in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to elect a new Director-General. This election is set against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical sands and heightened expectations for transformative leadership within the organization. Among those vying for this pivotal role is Firmin Edouard Matoko, the former Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations, notable for garnering robust support from Asia. The Asian Alliance: A Diplomatic Venture Matoko’s forays into Asia have been met with enthusiastic support from countries such as Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, China, and India, as…

A Gathering of Minds in Abidjan The bustling city of Abidjan set the stage for the 16th General Assembly of the African Union of Broadcasting (UAR) on June 19-20, 2025. This significant event witnessed the congregation of approximately two hundred delegates from over forty countries, converging to discuss the transformative future of African media under the theme: ‘Developing African Media: Strategies for Financial, Technological, and Content Innovation Resiliency.’ The assembly served as a platform for media professionals, institutional leaders, and international partners to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of broadcasting across Africa. Exploring Collaborative Solutions At the…