Author: Congo Times

A Viral Experiment in Algiers A peculiar event at Algiers Airport captured widespread attention when a traveler walked through the terminals in nothing but white socks to test the area’s cleanliness. His methodical approach, captured on video and quickly disseminated across social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, soon garnered millions of views. Dubbed ‘the sock incident,’ this act led to a broader discussion about public space maintenance, notably within the African continent. Divided Reactions: Praise and Criticism The traveler’s initiative was not accidental but a carefully executed test of cleanliness. Starting at the airport entrance and ending inside…

The Launch of Baccalaureate Exams In the Pool Department of Congo, the commencement of the general baccalaureate examinations was marked by strict invigilation and a commitment to curb academic dishonesty. On June 17, at Boko, 4,546 candidates, divided among series A4, D, and C, embarked on this crucial academic journey. These examinations were distributed across 16 examination centers, including notable institutions such as Lycée 5 Février 1979 in Kinkala, Kintélé, and Collège d’Igné. An Appeal for Academic Integrity Jules Mounkala Tchoumou, the Prefect of Pool, underscored the significance of maintaining integrity during the exams. He warned candidates against engaging in…

Niger’s Bold Move to Nationalize SOMAIR In a decisive move, the military authorities of Niger have announced the nationalization of the SOMAIR uranium mines, previously dominated by France’s Orano with a 63.4% stake. This strategic decision, taken during a ministerial council on June 19, 2025, sees the full transfer of ownership to the state of Niger, through its entity, SOPAMIN, which initially held 36.6%. The government’s rationale emphasizes the aspiration for more local benefits and sustainable resource management critical for Niger’s economic prosperity. Underlying Grievances and Allegations The nationalization did not arise in a vacuum. It follows a series of…

Apeec’s Call for Government Action Amid rising concerns about the integrity of Congo’s educational system, the Association of Parents and Educators of Congo (Apeec) has made a public plea urging the government to implement stringent measures against malfeasance within private education institutions. On June 19, in a significant public declaration made in Brazzaville, Apeec’s Secretary General, Mr. Benjamin Kimona, highlighted the urgent need for exemplary and severe sanctions targeting private schools that have been found guilty of serious discrepancies, including financial exploitation of students through false registration for examinations. Addressing Sexual Misconduct in Schools Another distressing aspect brought to light…

The Stakes in Group D As the sun sets over Nashville on June 20, a high-stakes soccer encounter awaits at the GEODIS Park. Esperance Sportive de Tunis faces Los Angeles FC in a decisive fixture in the 2025 Club World Cup’s Group D. Trounced in their previous matches against Flamengo and Chelsea respectively, both teams now stand precariously at zero points. With two favorites, Flamengo and Chelsea, leading the group, the loser of this evening’s game may bid adieu to their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. Los Angeles FC: North America’s Rising Stars Founded merely a decade ago,…

Congo’s Water Crisis Unveiled In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Regie de distribution d’eau, better known as Regideso, disclosed that it produced a staggering 336.284.849 cubic meters of water in 2024, drawing in revenues amounting to 464.8 billion Congolese francs, approximately 163 million US dollars. This announcement by the company’s director general, David Tshilumba, marked a pivotal moment in emphasizing the immense challenge of addressing the nation’s water supply dilemma amid rising demands and financial shortfalls. Financial Woes Amidst Operational Challenges The substantial revenue might be misleading as Regideso grapples with multifarious challenges including outdated infrastructure, inconsistent power…

A Controversial Court Decision The judicial corridor of Tunisia witnessed tumultuous activity as Sahbi Atig, a former parliamentarian and a formidable figure in the Ennahda party, was handed a 15-year prison sentence. The court, situated in Ariana, declared Atig guilty of serious charges including money laundering and misuse of his social and professional standing. This conviction however, has sparked a considerable stir both domestically and internationally, given the contentious backdrop of Tunisia’s political scene. Allegations of Politicization Atig’s defense painted the sentencing as a clear illustration of a politically motivated trial. His attorney, Mokthar Jmaayi, denounced the ruling, claiming it…

Pressions Croissantes sur la Tanzanie Récemment, le département d’État des États-Unis a exprimé sa préoccupation concernant les questions d’immigration impliquant la Tanzanie, menaçant potentiellement d’ajouter le pays à une liste de nations soumises à des restrictions de visa. Cette situation s’inscrit dans un contexte de renforcement des bastions migratoires américains. La Réponse Proactive de la Tanzanie En réponse, la Tanzanie a rapidement entamé des négociations avec Washington, dans l’espoir de faire lever les restrictions envisagées. Le porte-parole du gouvernement tanzanien, Gerson Msigwa, a déclaré que le ministère des Affaires étrangères est activement engagé dans des discussions visant à répondre aux…

A Strategic Investment in African Digital Infrastructure The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed a substantial €370 million in loans to Maroc Telecom, aimed at fortifying the telecommunications landscape in Chad and Mali. This investment aligns with the broader strategic objectives of enhancing mobile connectivity and proliferating high-quality mobile internet across the African continent. The funds will notably facilitate the deployment of advanced 4G services, aiming to introduce faster, more reliable internet access to burgeoning populations and businesses. Enhancing Connectivity: A Priority for Maroc Telecom With over two decades of operational experience in sub-Saharan Africa, Maroc Telecom remains committed to…

A Region in Crisis West and Central Africa are currently witnessing a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale, driven by an unfortunate melding of conflict, climate change impacts, and a significant decline in international support. As of the latest reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), nearly 13 million individuals have been displaced, an alarming statistic that underscores the gravity of the situation. A staggering 48% increase in forced displacement since 2020 has reshaped the demographic landscape of countries like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon, sparking an urgent call to action from international humanitarian organizations. The Humanitarian Fallout…