Author: Emmanuel Mbala

Une Attente Prolongée Lors du deuxième congrès électif du Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP), qui s’est tenu le 21 juin à Abidjan, la question de la candidature d’Alassane Ouattara à l’élection présidentielle de 2025 a dominé les discussions. Alors que de nombreux membres du parti manifestaient un appui clair à une nouvelle candidature du président en exercice, Ouattara a choisi de ne pas divulguer sa décision. Cette incertitude a entretenu une certaine tension parmi les partisans et observateurs de la scène politique ivoirienne. Un Parti derrière son Leader Le soutien du RHDP pour une éventuelle…

Political Tremors in Abidjan The vibrant atmosphere at the recent congress of the Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la démocratie et la paix (RHDP) in Abidjan might suggest political certainty, yet it cloaks a lingering suspense. The acclamation of President Alassane Ouattara as the candidate for the 2025 presidential election signals a party united but also a population left questioning. As of yet, Ouattara has not resolved whether he will vie for a fourth mandate. The Unwavering Legacy of ‘ADO’ At nearly 84, Alassane Dramane Ouattara—fondly known as ‘ADO’—emanates a formidable appeal, evidenced by the thousands that congregated for the RHDP…

ECOWAS Leadership Transition: A Strategic Move On June 22, 2025, during the 67th ordinary summit held in Abuja, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced a significant transition in leadership. Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has taken over the chairmanship from Nigeria’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the regional organization. This change in leadership comes at a time when West Africa faces numerous geopolitical and economic challenges, compelling the new administration to steer the region towards greater stability and cooperation. Challenges Facing ECOWAS and the New Leadership The transition of leadership…

Sudden Shifts in the Ivorian Political Arena As Côte d’Ivoire approaches its presidential election in October 2025, surprising alignments are emerging within the opposition ranks. On June 19, the African People’s Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) led by former president Laurent Gbagbo, and the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) headed by Tidjane Thiam, proclaimed a strategic alliance. This ‘unified front’ has been formed to contest the exclusion of their leaders from electoral participation and to advocate for an inclusive political dialogue. A Democratic Urgency Motivating the Alliance The unexpected coalition underscores a sense of democratic urgency among the signatories.…

Colonial Division at the Berlin Conference The existence of two separate Congos today can be traced back to the European colonial division of Africa, formalized during the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885. This pivotal event set the stage for France and Belgium to claim territories rich in resources and strategically located around the Congo River basin, thus leading to divergent colonial paths and the eventual creation of two nations named after the river. Contrasting Colonial Administrations Under French control, the northern side of the Congo River was known as French Congo, which later evolved into the Republic of the Congo. French…

A Historical Tapestry Lying on the cusp of Central Africa, the Republic of the Congo, colloquially known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a country enshrouded in historical significance and complexity. Narratives of Bantu-speaking tribes, who established trade routes through the Congo River basin millennia ago, laid the foundation for the nation’s cultural landscape. The region’s past is punctuated by the ascendance of kingdoms such as Vungu and Loango, which emerged as prominent confederations by the 16th century. Colonial Imprint and Political Evolution The late 19th century marked a new era as France extended its influence, turning the region into part of French…

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…

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…

Historic Gathering in Bamako On June 20, the Sahel region witnessed a landmark event as the defense ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) converged in Bamako. This inaugural meeting aimed explicitly at fortifying security cooperation and mutual defense strategies among Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The assembly was not merely procedural; it was a testament to the three nations’ resolve to confront common security challenges through unified efforts. The Birth of a Sovereign Alliance Established in September 2023, the AES signified a pivotal shift towards regional self-reliance, evolving into a confederation by July 2024, underscoring a shared commitment…