Author: Congo Times

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…

Kabo’s Fateful Night In the stillness of a June night, the Chadian district of Kabo, nestled against the borders of Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, became the backdrop of a tragic encounter between humans and wildlife. Bibia, a seasoned Congolese hunter, met a grave end at the tusks of an elephant—a stark reminder of the fragility in coexistence. Eyewitness accounts detail an initial sighting of the majestic creature, prompting a retreat to a seemingly secured hunting pursuit. However, tranquility was short-lived as the elephant re-emerged, leaving the hunting party bewildered and defenseless against nature’s power. Human Vulnerabilities Exposed Bibia, poised with the…

An Ongoing Struggle with Withdrawals The Congolese national sports federations are wrestling with a growing problem: frequent withdrawals from competitions. This trend, afflicting a multitude of sports disciplines, has sapped morale across the country’s athletic community. Although not always expressed in public statements, palpable frustration is evident as sports continue to languish without clear solutions from higher governance to stem these endemic problems. Financial Strains and Unfulfilled Potential Months of preparation and rigorous training frequently culminate in frustration when athletes are unable to participate in international events due to financial limitations. This grim reality not only stains the reputation of…

A Platform for Ambitious Youth The 2025 edition of the renowned Festim Afrique was held at the Kintélé International Conference Centre, spearheaded by Claudio Bénédict Sama Kenegui. The event underscored the critical role of youth entrepreneurship in Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Under the auspices of the Ministry of SMEs and Crafts, the festival reinforced the Congolese government’s commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurs. Presiding over the 2025 edition was Judicaëlle Okemba, CEO of Pami Partners, who emerged as a beacon for fostering youth-led innovation and business. A Gathering of Minds and Ambitions Festim Afrique 2025 served as an extraordinary forum for discourse,…