Congo

Palace Intrigues
Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Ali Bongo, Mamadi Doumbouya, Alassane Ouattara

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

CongoDenis Sassou-Nguesso makes a late-night visit to Ali Bongo

GuineaConakry's failed attempt to organise Sidya Touré's funeral

Ivory CoastThe lineup for Dominique Ouattara's grand gala

Denis Sassou Nguesso due to attend Emmanuel Macron's space summit

The Congolese president is expected in Paris on 8 September for a visit lasting several days. He will take part in the International Space Summit on 9 and 10 September, organised by the French head of state.

Commismpex dispute pits Hojeij family against Bongo's son in new twist

In Lebanon, the Hojeij family is involved in a lawsuit with Fabrice Andjoua Bongo Ondimba, the son of former Gabonese president Omar Bongo. At the heart of the case is the failed sale of a villa in France and a deposit of €1.

Swiss trader Mercuria struggles with Marine XI licence

The energy and commodity group continues to lend substantial sums to the state-owned oil company in exchange for the marketing of crude oil. Meanwhile, activity on its own block remains minimal.

French courts set to take 'presidential' Falcon off Commisimpex and its financiers

Six years after successfully seizing Denis Sassou-Nguesso's Falcon jet, the Lebanese businessman Mohsen Hojeij – who is claiming €2.2bn in unpaid debts from the Congo – is on the verge of losing this prized asset.

Debt dispute lands Commisimpex boss Mohsen Hojeij in Lebanon courts

Beirut's chief magistrate has summoned the Lebanese businessman, who is seeking €1.8bn in arrears from Congo, to appear for a hearing in September after Brazzaville's lawyers filed a complaint accusing him of forgery and fraud.

Former ENI executive appointed to presidency post

In the government reshuffle, Denis Sassou-Nguesso has appointed Fabrice Davy Okassa as his adviser on hydrocarbons. The move underlines the Italian major's growing influence in the Congolese oil sector.

Congo River road-rail bridge project prepares to enter new phase

On the sidelines of the AfDB annual meetings, Brazzaville and Kinshasa are preparing to launch a call for proposals for the construction of a civil engineering structure financed with support from Africa50. The project is whetting the appetite of Chinese firms.

Four heads of state due in Brazzaville for the AfDB's annual meetings

The president of the institution, the Mauritanian Sidi Ould Tah, will continue to present his overhaul of the African financing system, of which he gave a first outline during the Africa Forward summit on 11 and 12 May.

Brazzaville names former foreign minister to revive Washington ties

A loyal presidential ally has been appointed Congo’s ambassador to the US. He will be tasked with keeping the transatlantic relationship on track at a time when Congo is experiencing a relative lack of interest from the Trump administration.

Arabian Construction Co lands deal for future governmental city

ACC is set to sign a contract with the government for the construction of a modern complex to house ministries and the president's offices. The Lebanese conglomerate has just completed a similar project in Cotonou.

New oil chief Stev Simplice Onanga inherits a boom

Appointed on 24 April to head the hydrocarbons portfolio, the new minister takes over at a moment of unusual strength for Congo's oil industry, with fresh investment flowing into the fossil fuels sector.

ECAir plots return as rival Brazza Airlines gets off the ground

The country's flag carrier is looking for an explanation from the national civil aviation agency regarding the operating licences granted to the newcomer to the Congolese skies, which has just operated its maiden flight.

Bank of Central African States ends talks on restoration funds

After six years of negotiations, the BEAC and foreign operators have been unable to reach an agreement on the terms for repatriating funds for the rehabilitation of mining and oil sites in the CFA franc zone.