Author: Congo Times

Mandela Washington Fellowship Disrupted The U.S.-imposed travel ban on Congolese nationals has cast a shadow over the Mandela Washington Fellowship, part of the Young African Leaders Initiative spearheaded by former President Barack Obama in 2010. Traditionally, this fellowship enables selected young Congolese leaders to participate in an intensive program at American universities. However, the recent travel restrictions, enacted on June 4 under the Trump administration, have deprived aspiring fellowship candidates of this year’s experience, essential for their personal and professional development. According to Chestine Makosso, president of YALI Congo, the situation is lamentable, particularly for the cohort of the 2025…

Kinshasa Meets Brazzaville in ‘Nisika’ The Congolese music scene has been set ablaze by the release of ‘Nisika’, a dynamic collaboration between two of Central Africa’s most vibrant musical talents, Innoss’B from Kinshasa and MC Baba from Brazzaville. This audacious project breaks new ground by blending soul-stirring amapiano and compelling rap rhythms, embodying a cultural convergence between two distinct yet harmonizing voices. Visual and Musical Symbiosis The music video accompanying ‘Nisika’, released on June 22, 2024, is a visual feast that amplifies the song’s energetic vibe. It features a bold aesthetic full of vibrant scenes and engaging choreography, reflecting the…

A Stage Set for Social Engagement On June 27, Makhalba Malecheck will captivate the Congolese urban music scene with a unique blend of tropical ambiance and social engagement. The event is set to transform the Jardin Club into a lively venue of music and meaningful dialogue in Brazzaville. This concert continues Malecheck’s commitment to marrying artistic expression with social causes, demonstrating the power of music to inspire change. From Stadium Crowds to Intimate Settings Following a massive youth mobilization at Stade Félix-Éboué in August 2024, where Malecheck championed the fight against juvenile delinquency, this year’s concert adopts a more personal…

The Power of Musical Gatherings Renowned for his vibrant stage presence and soulful melodies, Congolese artist Caprice Diconn, born Régis Caprice Malanda, will showcase his musical prowess in a live concert in the bustling city of Pointe-Noire. Scheduled for June 21 at 5 PM, the event will take place at Airtel City in the Mvoumvou district, providing a grand stage for Diconn’s latest artistic endeavor, Monotonie. This live performance seeks to transcend the boundaries of a traditional concert, promising an experience of union through the universal language of music. An Immersive Musical Experience Caprice Diconn aims to transform his stage…

Melodies at the Palais des Congrès This weekend, Brazzaville is ready to captivate music lovers with a concert by Himra at the Palais des Congrès. Taking place on Friday, June 20, at 4:00 PM, the event promises an afternoon filled with soulful tunes. Attendees will have the choice of tickets priced at 2,000 FCFA or 5,000 FCFA, offering an accessible yet enriching musical experience within the heart of the Congolese capital. Karaoke Rhythms at Miam Restaurant Meanwhile, for those looking to unleash their inner vocalist, the Miam restaurant offers an exciting karaoke night on the same day, starting from 7:30…

A Diplomatic Milestone in Healthcare On June 18, 2025, Brazzaville witnessed the inauguration of a new hemodialysis center at the University Hospital Center (CHU), marking a significant achievement in healthcare diplomacy. The ceremony saw the transfer of the center’s keys by Michel Mongo, representing the Congo Assistance Foundation’s president, Antoinette Sassou N’Guesso, to Jean Rosaire-Ibara, Congo’s Minister of Health. This center is strategically located near the Antoinette Sassou-N’Guesso Sickle Cell Disease National Reference Center, aligning with broader healthcare integration efforts. Healthcare Access Through Strategic Partnerships The center promises affordable access to specialized treatments for patients suffering from both sickle cell…

Anatomy of a Viral Fabrication In June 2025, a video claiming that senior officials of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) were arrested in a secret international operation quickly garnered attention online. The video painted a vivid picture, suggesting a ‘transnational corruption syndicate’ and causing a stir across platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp. However, upon closer scrutiny by experts and official agencies, this narrative crumbles under the weight of its own falsehoods. Examining the Evidence — Or Lack Thereof The video purports to show a dramatic development with ANC members supposedly apprehended by international law enforcement in…

A Call for Unity in a Fragmented Landscape The forthcoming 2026 presidential elections in Congo-Brazzaville have already sparked significant political activity, with opposition figure Modeste Zoubabela urging for a unification of the disparate opposition forces through a primary system. In his letter to Pascal Tsaty Mabiala, the opposition leader, Zoubabela highlights the necessity for a collective and coherent front to effectively challenge the incumbent Party Congolais du Travail (PCT). The backdrop to this plea is a political climate fraught with division and conflicting agendas within the opposition. With past attempts at unity yielding limited success, as evidenced in the 2016…

A Disruptive Yet Compelling Protest The Club World Cup match at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia took an unexpected turn when a protester stormed the field with a banner reading, ‘Morocco, stop killing dogs and cats’. This surprising incident interrupted the game between Manchester City and Wydad Casablanca, as the protester capitalized on the event’s global exposure to address controversial issues related to Morocco’s treatment of stray animals. Amplified by Media and Public Outcry The brief disruption quickly garnered massive media attention, with images of the protest spreading rapidly across social media platforms. The display reignited international debate over…

A Legal Luminary in the Shadows In the intricate world of Senegalese politics, the name El Hadj Malick Sow emerges as a pivotal figure operating behind the scenes. As an esteemed former judge, Sow’s profound legal acumen has become indispensable to President Macky Sall, especially when contending with complex legislative matters. Sow’s involvement marks a significant influence on the intricate yet crucial process of legislative reform in Senegal. Steering Through Legal Challenges In recent years, Senegal has faced a myriad of legislative challenges requiring acute legal insights. These challenges have ranged from constitutional reforms to the adaptation of laws in…