Author: Congo Times

A Tragic Incident in Bouansa On June 19, 2025, a tragic event occurred in Bouansa, located in the Bouenza department in Congo’s south. Three members of a family—father, mother, and their young child—died after consuming a type of yam known for its toxic properties. The youngest succumbed first, followed by his mother, while the father passed away during transit to a medical facility in Nkayi, despite efforts from local authorities. A Recurring Hazard This incident is not isolated. Similar tragedies have unfolded across Congo in recent years due to the consumption of yams. In September 2024, seven individuals in the…

World Day Against Desertification: Congo’s Ambitious Commitment On June 16, at the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo declared its renewed strategy to harness scientific innovation and community involvement. Under the theme ‘Restore Land. Seize Opportunities,’ Environment Minister Arlette Soudan-Nonault articulated a robust plan for scientific investigation into soil degradation mechanisms, setting the stage for locally tailored restoration solutions. Scientifically-Grounded Policies and Grassroots Movement Intent on marrying scientific rigor with practical action, the Congolese government emphasizes training local actors, from farmers to civil society organizations, in sustainable land management. According to Minister Soudan-Nonault,…

Introduction to Proclimat’s Ambitious Endeavors In an effort to shore up defenses against the relentless tide of climate change, M. Sosthène Mayoukou, the coordinator of Proclimat, has unfolded an array of initiatives designed to bolster Congo’s resilience. Gathering recently in Brazzaville, Mayoukou outlined accomplishments under the project’s expansive Component 5, targeting aid towards the nation’s most vulnerable anthropogenic demographics. Educational and Health Advancements In a crucial educational stride, Proclimat has distributed school kits to students in flood-affected regions, facilitating their preparation for exams amidst adversity. Health-wise, the project has made significant inroads with child-centric health interventions, notably financing vaccination campaigns…

UN’s Strategic Energy Partnership The prospect of the United Nations providing strategic support to Congo’s hydrocarbon sector, particularly in natural gas, could herald significant developments with far-reaching implications for environmental goals and economic advancement. On May 6, in Brazzaville, Abdourahamane Diallo, the UN System’s Coordinator in Congo, emphasized the pivotal role natural gas plays in aligning with climate agendas. This sector, regarded as a relatively cleaner energy source, is poised to facilitate regional growth while aligning with international environmental commitments. Ecosystems and Economic Impact Following discussions with Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Diallo underscored the potential for…

A Glimpse Into the Crisis In an alarming revelation, the Antoinette-Sassou-N’Guesso National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease in Brazzaville reported 36 deaths over nine years due to sickle cell disease. This announcement was made during a press conference by Professor Alexis Elira Dokekias, alongside health ministry officials. As the world commemorates World Sickle Cell Awareness Day on June 19, the Congo faces a sobering reality. While the center monitors 36,000 patients, the actual number of individuals suffering from this genetic disorder might be between 76,000 and 78,000, indicating a substantial treatment gap. Educational Initiatives at the Forefront Recognizing this…

A Strategic Gathering in Changsha The bustling metropolis of Changsha, in China’s Hunan province, recently hosted the fourth edition of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, held from June 12th to 15th. This pivotal event underscored the geopolitical and economic interests of both continents as they converged to explore mutual opportunities. The Expo drew in a crowd of over 4,700 participants and 28,000 visitors, symbolizing the robust nexus of Sino-African economic cooperation that seeks to burgeon under the theme ‘China-Africa: Marching Towards Modernization Together.’ Congo’s Mission: Diversification and Engagement Leading the Congolese delegation was Jacqueline Lydia Mikolo, Congolese Minister of…

A Strategic Move by the PCT In a calculated step towards political consolidation, the Congolese Labour Party (PCT) announced the formation of a preparatory and organizational committee for its upcoming VIth Ordinary Congress. Established by Act No. 021 on June 17, 2025, under the aegis of the Party’s Secretary-General, Pierre Moussa, this committee is tasked with the essential mission of planning a successful electoral strategy aimed at the 2026 presidential elections. A Committee Designed for Victory With an eye towards securing an overwhelming triumph, the newly-formed committee comprises forty-one members, featuring a prominent inclusion of nine women. As outlined in…

Congo Rolls Out Cash Transfers: A Social Safety Net On May 19, in Brazzaville, the launch of conditional cash transfers marked a significant step in Congo’s National Social Safety Net Program. Targeted at vulnerable households, the initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burdens associated with children’s education and healthcare in impoverished families. This program is set to expand across other departments in Congo, illustrating a concerted effort to foster social welfare at a national scale. The Unseen Threat: Digital Fraud Looms Large As this promising initiative unfolds, there looms an equally significant challenge in the form of digital fraud. Scammers…

Trump Strikes Again: Renewing the Travel Ban In a move characteristic of his previous tenure, Donald Trump has reintroduced one of his presidency’s most contentious policies: the travel ban. The announcement, delivered with typical bravado, declares 12 countries as blacklisted, including Haiti and Congo-Brazzaville, effective from June 9. According to Trump, the aim is to fortify national security by protecting Americans from foreign terrorist threats—a rationale that has ignited global criticism since the recent attack used as the spur for this decree did not originate from any of the targeted countries. The Boulder Catalyst: An Anomalous Pretext It was an…

Congo’s Legal Dilemma The Republic of Congo finds itself at a critical juncture as it confronts wildlife crime through its judicial system. On June 19, 2025, two significant legal proceedings are set to unfold. These sessions will take place at the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Brazzaville and the Cour d’Appel in Dolisie, located in the Niari department. These cases highlight the pressing issue of environmental crime, a challenge for conservationists and legal experts alike. Brazzaville’s Juridical Stage The Tribunal de Grande Instance in Brazzaville will adjudicate on several matters involving alleged wildlife offenses. This court is central to the…