Author: Emmanuel Mbala

Colonial Partition and the Birth of Two Congos The partitioning of the African continent in the late 19th century was a pivotal moment in the formation of two neighboring countries sharing the name Congo. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 set the stage for this division, as European powers delineated their respective spheres of influence across Africa. The Congo River basin, rich in resources and vital for trade routes, emerged as a centerpiece of colonial ambitions. French and Belgian Colonial Legacies The northern side of the Congo River came under French control, known as French Congo, and later integrated into French…

A Strategic Position at the Equator The Republic of the Congo, often referred to as Congo-Brazzaville, effortlessly straddles the Equator in the heart of West-Central Africa. This positioning makes it an intriguing nexus for a range of geopolitical dynamics. To distinguish itself from its larger neighbor, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is often identified by its capital, Brazzaville. With a significant portion of its population residing in urban centers, Brazzaville not only stands as a populous city but as a key inland port on the Congo River. The country is poised as a corridor for Central African trade…

Reviving Past Glory: The UPADS’ Ambitious Climb Since losing power in 1997, the Union Pan-Africaine pour la Démocratie Sociale (UPADS) has been gearing up to make a significant political comeback. With its roots entrenched in Congolese history, the party, spearheaded by the first secretary Pascal Tsaty Mabiala, is determined to regain its pivotal role. The recent third plenary session marks a decisive milestone in their roadmap, with political restructuring aiming towards the 2026 presidential elections. Strategizing for 2026: The Roadmap to Power The party’s third plenary session was a strategic attempt to lay out plans for the upcoming congress and…

A Legacy of Stability Amidst Controversy Alassane Ouattara’s announcement on June 22, 2025, to seek a fourth presidential term reflects the enduring strategy of continuity by the Rassemblement des houphouëtistes pour la démocratie et la paix (RHDP). At the age of 83, Ouattara juxtaposes his campaign on the platform of formidable stability. His presidency, often lauded for ushering in an era of economic growth and stability following years of turmoil, also sparks debate on the democratic values in Ivory Coast. The balance between his admired role as a stabilizing figure and the challenges stemming from a perceived concentration of power…

An Unyielding Pursuit of Excellence Prisca Djibre stands out as a paradigmatic figure in Côte d’Ivoire’s oil industry. Serving as a jurist responsible for production-sharing contracts at the National Oil Operations Company (PETROCI), Djibre exemplifies how a steadfast commitment to professional excellence can lead to recognition and respect in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her journey is nothing short of inspirational, underscoring the significance of perseverance and quality in carving a niche for women in sectors where they have historically been underrepresented. Championing Gender Equality through Professional Integrity Djibre has been vocal about her belief in establishing one’s value through work…

Ouattara Nominated Amidst Political Tension Alassane Ouattara, Ivory Coast’s president since 2011, has been nominated by the ruling party, RHDP, to run in the upcoming presidential elections of October 2025. The announcement came from Patrick Achi, the president of the RHDP congress, who proclaimed, ‘I submit to the congress the decision to nominate President Alassane Ouattara as our candidate for the forthcoming elections.’ The decision saw unanimous applause from the assembled party members during the congress, highlighting a unified stance within the party amidst the political tension that simmers in the nation. Awaiting Ouattara’s Decision The key question that looms…

A Treaty Amidst Conflict Former President Donald Trump’s declaration of brokering a peace treaty between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda has surfaced amid a protracted conflict largely centered around lucrative mineral resources. Trump’s announcement, made on Truth Social, holds that Secretary of State Marco Rubio played a pivotal role in reaching this agreement. A Long-standing Tension The conflict that persists between the DRC and Rwanda dates back decades, predominantly fueled by the allure of the DRC’s abundant deposits of minerals such as coltan, cobalt, and lithium—key components in advanced electronics. The resurgence of…

Heineken Retreats Amid Rising Tensions In an alarming development, Heineken has made the arduous decision to withdraw its operations from conflict-ridden areas in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), due to control by armed rebels. This marks a significant retrenchment for the global brewing giant, as it contends with safety hazards that have rendered operational continuance untenable. A Brewing Crisis in Bukavu and Goma Previously, Heineken had anticipated a potential reopening of its eastern Congolese facilities following a temporary suspension announced in March. However, the situation has since regressed, culminating in the seizure by armed groups of Bralima, its…

A Shift in U.S. Diplomatic Strategy Under the auspices of the United States, a pivotal peace agreement has been brokered between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, aiming to bring an end to the prolonged conflict in Eastern DRC. The Trump administration has actively steered the negotiations as part of a revamped U.S. foreign policy strategy that leans towards transactional diplomacy. This marks a strategic pivot from the traditional soft power methodology that has dominated U.S. involvement in Africa. Contextualizing the DRC-Rwanda Conflict The conflict in Eastern DRC, underpinned by fierce competition over mineral wealth, has persisted for…

Colonial Carvings on the African Landscape The peculiar existence of two nations sharing the name Congo—namely, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—traces back to the late 19th century. Here, the machinations of European powers left an indelible legacy during the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885. This meeting of imperial minds sought to formalize Africa’s partitioning, disregarding indigenous cultures and borders. The Congo River basin, with its abundant natural resources, became a pivot for French and Belgian colonial ambitions. Divergence Under European Rule Distinct colonial administrations underpinned the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic…