Author: Congo Times

Understanding the Cultural Landscape The Republic of Congo, not to be confused with its neighbor the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a nation marked by a rich and complex cultural landscape. It holds a distinctive position in Central Africa with a culture deeply embedded in respect for social hierarchy and elders. This societal structure is a cornerstone of Congolese life, where deference to status is held in high regard above frankness and directness. Such cultural attributes are foundational, reflecting the broader ethos of harmony and respect that permeate various aspects of daily life. Family Dynamics and Roles In Congolese…

A Vibrant Celebration of African Creativity The prestigious Sky Awards made their debut from June 19 to June 21, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Economy, and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA), this event celebrated the continent’s finest in interior architecture, art, design, and craftsmanship. The awards aimed to bring African talent to the global fore, and the event did not disappoint, with an illustrious array of artists and designers in attendance. Celebrating Excellence and Visionary Talents The closing ceremony on June 21 was a vibrant affair, attended by professionals and…

The Elephant Overpopulation Issue Zimbabwe has found itself at the center of a contentious debate over its recent decision to cull elephants to manage overpopulation, with the government arguing that the ecological balance in the Savé Valley could tip dangerously due to an excess of pachyderms. Official data suggests that the park’s capacity is limited to 800 elephants, a stark contrast to the current estimate of 2,550, necessitating urgent intervention. Government Stance and Public Reactions Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for ZimParks, underscores the urgency by stating that the overcrowding of elephants not only endangers their habitat but also poses imminent risks…

An Ambitious Initiative Algeria has embarked on a culturally transformative journey with the launch of ‘The Night of Museums,’ an initiative announced by the Minister of Culture, Zouhir Ballalou. Taking center stage at the Musée des Antiquités d’Alger, the event marks the beginning of an immersive experience that aims to democratize access to national heritage by opening museums at night throughout the summer. This model not only aspires to attract a broader audience but also reconfirm Algeria’s dedication to cultural engagement, as seen with past exhibitions such as the ‘Panorama of Algerian Plastic Art 1954-2024.’ Enriching Cultural Experiences Underpinning this…

A Bold Religious Initiative for Peace In a significant diplomatic effort, the Catholic Church through the CENCO and the Protestant Church via the ECC have embarked on consultations to forge a peace agreement in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative was officially presented to President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi on June 21, 2025, signifying a pivotal step towards national reconciliation. Dialogue at the Heart of the Citadel The discussions between church leaders and President Tshisekedi transpired at the Cité de l’Union Africaine, lasting two intense hours. Mgr Donatien Nshole of CENCO and Pastor André Bokondoa of ECC conveyed the outcome of…

Aston’s Manifesto: Waste As Art In the vibrant cultural landscape of Benin, contemporary artist Aston, born Serge Mikpon, presents ‘Sources,’ a penetrating exhibition that invites audiences to confront societal issues through unconventional materials. Displayed at Le Centre, a prominent cultural space, Aston’s work transcends mere aesthetics and challenges viewers to reassess their daily habits and collective responsibilities. Utilizing discarded capsules, cigarette butts, and rusted padlocks, Aston crafts artworks that offer stark reflections on the human condition. His technique propels spectators into a dialogue with their environment, urging a re-evaluation of the overlooked aspects of daily life. Community Engagement and Artistic…

Efako My Bouffe: An Unlikely Innovation in Benin In Benin, a captivating innovation has emerged, as Efako My Bouffe introduces a groundbreaking local production: a 100% locally manufactured food dispenser. Spearheaded by the visionary Prosper Kangnidé Mahunakpon, this project springs from the educational trenches and rises as a testament to local ingenuity. The endeavor highlights the potential harbored within academic circles to spawn real-world technological advancements. This landmark venture showcases a blend of human resolve and native intelligence, poised to alter prevailing consumer habits and stimulate local employment. The Tenacity Behind Efako My Bouffe The journey of Efako My Bouffe…

Exploring Solar Potential in Sub-Saharan Africa Sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by an abundant solar potential, is increasingly exploring renewable energy solutions to combat chronic energy deficiencies. Countries like Mali are turning towards solar power to meet critical energy needs in various sectors, notably healthcare. With sunshine blessing certain regions with over 3,000 hours of sunlight annually, solar energy emerges as a viable solution to endemic power shortages. Kati Hospital: A Beacon of Solar-Powered Healthcare Kati Hospital in Mali exemplifies how solar energy is becoming an indispensable part of healthcare infrastructure. Under the aegis of the transitional government, led by initiatives such…

A United Front in Addressing Youth Unemployment On June 17, 2025, a pivotal meeting took place in Plateau, Ivory Coast, gathering key representatives from the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service, alongside the Ministry of State Properties, Portfolio, and Public Enterprises. This strategic collaboration aims to harness the capability of public enterprises in the campaign against youth unemployment, a major concern in the country. For the year 2025 alone, approximately 102,000 opportunities for professional integration, including internships and training programs, have been earmarked. The Gravity of Youth Unemployment in Ivory Coast Youth unemployment in Ivory Coast has…

A New Chapter of Financial Isolation Algeria has entered increasingly turbulent economic waters as the implications of its inclusion on the European Union’s list of high-risk countries unfold. The EU’s blacklisting, effective as of June 10, 2025, spotlights Algeria’s systemic vulnerabilities, echoed by the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) earlier greylisting in 2024. This classification compels European financial institutions to adopt stringent due diligence on Algerian transactions, inevitably raising barriers in trade, elevating operational costs, and causing significant interruptions in cross-border financial activities. The Enduring Strain on Algeria’s Financial System The EU’s decision serves to exacerbate Algeria’s financial seclusion, straining…