Author: Emmanuel Mbala

Examining the Roots of Misinformation Recent allegations have emerged, suggesting that the Republic of Congo is issuing diplomatic passports and even citizenship to foreigners with alarming ease. These claims, circulating primarily on social media, depict Congo as an enclave where national identity is commoditised, particularly targeting African nationals, including Rwandans. However, these claims lack substantiation, notably omitting crucial legal and administrative frameworks governing diplomatic passport issuance. Regulatory Framework Tightening Contrary to claims of laxity, Congo’s regulatory framework for diplomatic passports has intensified scrutiny. The biometric identification system, underpinned by the 2008 decree, delineates stringent criteria and qualifications for diplomatic passport…

A Storm of Misinformation In a landscape where misinformation flourishes, the recent allegations against Françoise Joly stand out as a stark example of gender-targeted defamation. The envoy from Congo-Brazzaville has become the subject of a rumor storm, falsely accused of involvement in purchasing a Dassault jet through dubious means. Despite these claims gaining traction on social media, no judicial sources have corroborated any legal action against Joly in France or Congo. Diplomatic Successes Under Scrutiny Prior to these allegations, Joly’s track record in diplomacy was commendable. Her role in fostering economic ties between Congo-Brazzaville and nations like Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan…

A Step Towards Prominent Diplomacy in Brazzaville On June 18, Brazzaville witnessed a significant diplomatic event as Emma Clesh Atipo Ngapi, the second Vice President of the Municipal and Departmental Council, engaged with a delegation from the African Development Bank (BAD). Leading the delegation were the institution’s Secretary General, Prof. Vincent O. Nmehielle, and Dr. Léandre Bassolé, the Director General. This gathering was part of the preparatory efforts for the BAD’s annual assembly set to occur in May 2026 in the vibrant city of Brazzaville. The Strategic Importance of Hosting the BAD Annual Assembly The dialogue between the Congolese hosts…

Examining the Fabricated Report In recent Kenyan political developments, a sensational headline falsely reported that Rigathi Gachagua, the former deputy president, canceled his new political party’s launch amid a supposed flagbearer disagreement for the 2027 elections. Widely circulated on social media, this fabricated story claimed to originate from a reputable Kenyan newspaper, The Standard. Upon closer examination, Africa Check identified the source as a manipulated version of the newspaper’s front page, propagated by a notorious Facebook page known for creating counterfeit news. When scrutinized alongside authentic issues of The Standard, numerous discrepancies were evident. The altered headline deviates from the…

Mandela Washington Fellowship Disrupted The U.S.-imposed travel ban on Congolese nationals has cast a shadow over the Mandela Washington Fellowship, part of the Young African Leaders Initiative spearheaded by former President Barack Obama in 2010. Traditionally, this fellowship enables selected young Congolese leaders to participate in an intensive program at American universities. However, the recent travel restrictions, enacted on June 4 under the Trump administration, have deprived aspiring fellowship candidates of this year’s experience, essential for their personal and professional development. According to Chestine Makosso, president of YALI Congo, the situation is lamentable, particularly for the cohort of the 2025…

Anatomy of a Viral Fabrication In June 2025, a video claiming that senior officials of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) were arrested in a secret international operation quickly garnered attention online. The video painted a vivid picture, suggesting a ‘transnational corruption syndicate’ and causing a stir across platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp. However, upon closer scrutiny by experts and official agencies, this narrative crumbles under the weight of its own falsehoods. Examining the Evidence — Or Lack Thereof The video purports to show a dramatic development with ANC members supposedly apprehended by international law enforcement in…

A Call for Unity in a Fragmented Landscape The forthcoming 2026 presidential elections in Congo-Brazzaville have already sparked significant political activity, with opposition figure Modeste Zoubabela urging for a unification of the disparate opposition forces through a primary system. In his letter to Pascal Tsaty Mabiala, the opposition leader, Zoubabela highlights the necessity for a collective and coherent front to effectively challenge the incumbent Party Congolais du Travail (PCT). The backdrop to this plea is a political climate fraught with division and conflicting agendas within the opposition. With past attempts at unity yielding limited success, as evidenced in the 2016…

A Legal Luminary in the Shadows In the intricate world of Senegalese politics, the name El Hadj Malick Sow emerges as a pivotal figure operating behind the scenes. As an esteemed former judge, Sow’s profound legal acumen has become indispensable to President Macky Sall, especially when contending with complex legislative matters. Sow’s involvement marks a significant influence on the intricate yet crucial process of legislative reform in Senegal. Steering Through Legal Challenges In recent years, Senegal has faced a myriad of legislative challenges requiring acute legal insights. These challenges have ranged from constitutional reforms to the adaptation of laws in…

Introduction to the Peace Initiative The prospect of a peace accord between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, slated for June 27, has generated cautious optimism among diplomatic circles. Central to this development is the involvement of the United States, which has undertaken a mediating role aimed at bridging deep-seated tensions between the two nations. The intrigue around this tentative accord hinges on whether this intervention can achieve what previous efforts could not: a lasting peace. Historical Context of Tensions The relationship between the DRC and Rwanda has been tumultuous, marred by mutual distrust and accusations, including DRC’s…

A Landmark Agreement in Washington The imminent peace accord between Congo and Rwanda, slated for signature in Washington on June 27, represents a potentially significant stride towards resolving ongoing hostilities in eastern Congo. This development, announced jointly by the two nations and the U.S. State Department, has fueled hopes for an enduring resolution to a conflict that has long beleaguered the mineral-rich region. However, this upcoming agreement is merely the latest chapter in a protracted saga of diplomatic efforts, often stymied by deep-seated mistrust and historical grievances. A Complex Web of Allegiances and Accusations The conflict in eastern Congo is…