Author: Congo Times

The Antecedents of an Approaching Congress Slated for the second half of the year, the ordinary congress of the Union Panafricaine pour la Démocratie Sociale (UPADS) is gradually taking form. The party’s preparatory commission met on June 20 in Brazzaville for its third and final plenary session to fine-tune the topics to be debated at the congress, although an official date remains pending. Key Agendas on the Table Led by the chairman of the preparatory committee, Adam Boussou Diangou, the meeting aims to address eight pivotal points over three days. The committee plans to adopt new fundamental party texts, including…

A Celebration of Legacy and Future Aspirations On the 64th anniversary of the Congolese Armed Forces, the focus extended beyond commemorating past achievements to contemplating future challenges and solidifying military integration. The Minister of Defense, Charles Richard Mondjo, highlighted this dual approach, underscoring that the anniversary was not merely an end but the beginning of a renewed strategic vision. Mondjo emphasized the vital need for integrating forces through joint doctrinal platforms, optimizing material and human resources, and enhancing territorial management in response to new administrative boundaries. Addressing Geopolitical and Geostrategic Realities Mondjo called attention to the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape, stressing…

Record Heat and Drought in Morocco: A Decade’s Summary In an alarming revelation by Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology, 2024 emerged as the hottest and driest year the nation has faced in over a decade. Unveiled during a June 2025 climate briefing in Rabat, the report highlights that the average temperature rose by a staggering 1.49°C, over twice the global average increase of 0.67°C. This local warming surpasses the critical 2°C threshold outlined by the 2015 Paris Agreement, threatening to unleash irreversible climate impacts. The Disproportionate Burden on the Global South Morocco’s predicament underscores the stark climate inequities faced by…

UIR: Leading in Sustainable Development The International University of Rabat (UIR) has proudly maintained its dominant position among Moroccan universities in the International Times High Education (THE) Impact Rankings for the third consecutive year. This ranking, which was recently released, involved 14 Moroccan universities, with UIR standing out for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to a university press release, UIR’s exemplary performance is particularly notable in SDG 17, focusing on partnerships to achieve objectives, and SDG 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, UIR excels in SDG 16—fostering peace, justice, and…

The Asian Diplomatic Tour: A Campaign Like No Other In a move that underscores the growing importance of Asia within global diplomatic circles, Firmin Edouard Matoko, the Republic of Congo’s candidate for the Director-General position of UNESCO, completed an ambitious tour across several Asian nations. Visiting Jakarta, Beijing, New Delhi, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Hanoi, Matoko engaged in profound discussions with national authorities and UNESCO delegations. The tour was not merely an exercise in diplomacy but an assertion of Matoko’s vision for a more dynamic and inclusive UNESCO. Garnering Support and Building Partnerships Throughout his visits, Matoko was met with a…

The Urgent Financial Gap As the international financing landscape tightens and trade policies grow increasingly protectionist, Africa is at a crucial juncture in its pursuit of sustainable development. Experts assert that the continent’s progress hinges on a structural transformation towards self-sufficiency, the strategic exploitation of its abundant natural resources, and the establishment of resilient partnerships. The African financial framework traces its challenges back to historically imposed global financial structures, such as the Bretton Woods agreements, which many deem outdated and misaligned with Africa’s aspirations. Quantifying the Investment Requirement The United Nations’ 2024 report emphasizes Africa’s need for between $1.3 to…

A Record Surge in Investments In 2024, Africa witnessed a historic surge in foreign direct investments (FDI), amounting to $97 billion, as noted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This represents a 75% increase compared to the previous year. This growth reflects a broader trend of investment facilitation and liberalization across the continent. Egypt’s Prominent Role Egypt stands out as the primary beneficiary, driven by a significant international agreement focused on urban development projects. Emirati investments, particularly in tourism and the construction of a new city near Cairo, further solidified its position. Excluding Egypt’s contribution, Africa…

A Journey Rooted in Necessity: From Townships to So-called Prestige Within the infamous townships bordering Cape Town, a turbulent daily reality spurs an exodus far beyond mere physical journeys. Parents, driven by fears of endemic crime and the insidious grip of gangsterism, are transferring their children from under-resourced local schools to institutions located miles away. These educational sanctuaries, ironically, are those that once strictly catered to the white population during apartheid. The Continuous Shadow of Apartheid on Education Despite the official dismantling of apartheid over three decades ago, its educational legacies remain starkly evident. The Bantu Education Act of 1953…

Colonial Partition and the Berlin Conference In the late 19th century, the European powers converged upon Berlin to carve up the African continent, establishing borders with scant regard for the intricacies of indigenous societies. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 played a pivotal role in setting the stage for the existence of two countries named Congo. The Congo River basin emerged as a coveted region due to its abundant natural resources and strategic location. Consequently, different colonial powers laid claim to adjacent regions, sowing the seeds for future division. The north side of the Congo River became the French Congo, later…

A Brewing Conflict: Impact on Heineken’s Operations In a move prompted by heightened instability, Heineken has withdrawn from its Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) operations. As of June 12, 2025, armed rebels seized control of the brewer’s facilities in major cities Bukavu and Goma, signaling a downturn in the regional security climate. This development follows Heineken’s previous suspension of operations in March, citing threats from ongoing clashes between government forces and rebel groups in the region. Economic Repercussions and Humanitarian Concerns Heineken’s cessation of operations in Eastern DRC poses significant economic challenges, notably in the cities of Goma, Bukavu,…