Author: Congo Times

Golden Dominance of the Maghreb In the intricate dance of international finance and power, gold remains a steadfast partner—a reliable asset amidst the swirling uncertainties of today’s geopolitical climate. North Africa, more specifically the Maghreb region, holds a notable share of Africa’s official gold reserves, illustrating an enduring dominance bolstered by both historical and economic factors. The combined gold holdings of Algeria, Libya, and Egypt reach an impressive 448 tonnes, representing two-thirds of the continent’s reserves as reported by the World Gold Council for the first quarter of 2025. This continued dominance can partially be attributed to the substantial oil…

A Tragic Incident Stirring Controversy The death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang has ignited a national uproar, not just due to the circumstances of his demise but also due to a quote wrongly linked to Siaya Governor James Orengo. Arrested in early June 2025 over defamation allegations made by Eliud Lagat, the deputy inspector general of police, Ojwang’s death in police custody following a transfer to Nairobi has raised serious questions about police accountability and brutality. An official autopsy contradicted the police account, revealing evidence of violent assault leading to public outcry and demands for justice from human rights organizations.…

Escalating Security Crisis and the Rise of PMSCs Insecurity in Africa is reaching unprecedented levels, with crises ranging from Jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel to piracy threats in the Gulf of Guinea. In this tumultuous environment, African governments are increasingly turning to Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) as a seemingly essential lifeline. From notorious entities such as the Wagner Group in Mali to less publicized operations in countries like Mozambique, Nigeria, and Kenya, PMSCs operate largely in shadowy realms, away from public scrutiny. Historical Precedent and Contemporary Practices The concept of private military forces is not new to Africa.…

The Unyielding Shadow of 1994 Since the 1994 genocide, where around 800,000 Tutsis were slaughtered, Rwanda has intricately woven this tragedy into its national fabric and international narrative. This historical scourge, while undeniably central to contemporary Rwanda’s identity, becomes a complex tapestry interwoven with accusations and critiques of current governance under President Paul Kagame. As the architect of modern Rwanda, Kagame navigates the murky waters of post-genocide reconciliation and international diplomacy, yet critics argue that he leverages this tragedy not only for national unity but as a shield against criticism. Domestic Governance under Scrutiny The realities within Rwanda paint a…

Examining the Roots of Misinformation Recent allegations have emerged, suggesting that the Republic of Congo is issuing diplomatic passports and even citizenship to foreigners with alarming ease. These claims, circulating primarily on social media, depict Congo as an enclave where national identity is commoditised, particularly targeting African nationals, including Rwandans. However, these claims lack substantiation, notably omitting crucial legal and administrative frameworks governing diplomatic passport issuance. Regulatory Framework Tightening Contrary to claims of laxity, Congo’s regulatory framework for diplomatic passports has intensified scrutiny. The biometric identification system, underpinned by the 2008 decree, delineates stringent criteria and qualifications for diplomatic passport…

Viral Claims of Exam Cancellation Recent social media posts have sparked a flurry of concern across West Africa, alleging that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has annulled the 2025 English language examination results due to widespread misconduct. This claim has been rapidly circulating, particularly on platforms like Facebook, engendering confusion among students and educators alike. WAEC’s Official Rebuttal In a swift response to these rumors, Moyosola Adesina, WAEC’s public affairs officer, firmly addressed the misleading information. Adesina emphasized that no such cancellation was in effect, nor was there any intent to reschedule the examination. She stated that these falsehoods…

A Storm of Misinformation In a landscape where misinformation flourishes, the recent allegations against Françoise Joly stand out as a stark example of gender-targeted defamation. The envoy from Congo-Brazzaville has become the subject of a rumor storm, falsely accused of involvement in purchasing a Dassault jet through dubious means. Despite these claims gaining traction on social media, no judicial sources have corroborated any legal action against Joly in France or Congo. Diplomatic Successes Under Scrutiny Prior to these allegations, Joly’s track record in diplomacy was commendable. Her role in fostering economic ties between Congo-Brazzaville and nations like Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan…

The Viral Political Rumor As Kenya approaches its 2027 general elections, political climates are rife with speculation and rumors. Recently, a purported front page of The Standard newspaper circulated widely, suggesting that Rigathi Gachagua, former deputy president, refused to serve under Fred Matiang’i as deputy. This front page, however, has been confirmed as fake. The Claims and Controversy The spurious document featured a headline asserting, ‘Rigathi Rejects Deputy Role under Matiang’i,’ with a claim that a non-partisan political panel had favored Matiang’i for the presidency alongside Gachagua as his deputy. Allegedly dated June 3, 2025, it suggests Gachagua publicly declined…

A Step Towards Prominent Diplomacy in Brazzaville On June 18, Brazzaville witnessed a significant diplomatic event as Emma Clesh Atipo Ngapi, the second Vice President of the Municipal and Departmental Council, engaged with a delegation from the African Development Bank (BAD). Leading the delegation were the institution’s Secretary General, Prof. Vincent O. Nmehielle, and Dr. Léandre Bassolé, the Director General. This gathering was part of the preparatory efforts for the BAD’s annual assembly set to occur in May 2026 in the vibrant city of Brazzaville. The Strategic Importance of Hosting the BAD Annual Assembly The dialogue between the Congolese hosts…

Examining the Fabricated Report In recent Kenyan political developments, a sensational headline falsely reported that Rigathi Gachagua, the former deputy president, canceled his new political party’s launch amid a supposed flagbearer disagreement for the 2027 elections. Widely circulated on social media, this fabricated story claimed to originate from a reputable Kenyan newspaper, The Standard. Upon closer examination, Africa Check identified the source as a manipulated version of the newspaper’s front page, propagated by a notorious Facebook page known for creating counterfeit news. When scrutinized alongside authentic issues of The Standard, numerous discrepancies were evident. The altered headline deviates from the…