AGP Executive Report

Party Politics: The Congolese Labour Party (PCT) has begun training 62 cadres to pass organizational and leadership skills down through its ranks. Club 2002-PUR has also elected Emma Clesh Atipo-Ngapi to lead its Brazzaville federation as it prepares for a congress and the 2027 elections. Opposition: Mathias Dzon’s ARD is urging an inclusive national dialogue to address what it calls a severe social crisis, and says it may take legal action. US Visas: The United States’ full visa suspension includes citizens of the Republic of Congo, affecting immigrant and non-immigrant applications. Economy: Moody’s has placed the Republic of Congo among eight sub-Saharan African countries with a positive outlook, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices. IMF staff and Congolese officials have also completed an initial round of talks on a possible new financing arrangement, with negotiations set to continue. Regional Ties: Congo and Mozambique signed cooperation agreements spanning hydrocarbons, forestry, fisheries and small businesses, with leaders calling for stronger trade and investment.

US Visa Restrictions: Washington has suspended all visa issuance to citizens of the Republic of Congo, effective Jan. 1, under a broader entry ban affecting 12 African countries. 2027 Budget: The government’s draft budget projects 3,120.8 billion CFA francs in revenue and 2,638.4 billion in spending, with a 432.4 billion surplus; Parliament must now review the plan. Oil Production: Congolese tycoon Lucien Ebata says Trident OGX aims to lift output from about 2,500 barrels a day to as much as 50,000 within two years, with state oil company SNPC and the government holding a combined 60% stake in the fields. IMF Talks: Congo and IMF staff made progress on discussions for a new financing arrangement, but no deal has been announced and talks are due to continue. Public Services: President Denis Sassou N’Guesso opened a school complex in Brazzaville designed for 10,000 pupils. Gavi has also urged Senate leader Pierre Ngolo to back vaccine funding in the 2027 budget. Regional Outlook: Moody’s named Congo among eight sub-Saharan countries with a positive outlook, citing reforms, commodity strength and improved financing access.

Oil and Investment: Congolese billionaire Lucien Ebata says Trident OGX aims to lift production from about 2,500 barrels a day to as much as 50,000 within two years, including through development of the Mengo fields. UN Reform: The Republic of the Congo joined nine African states at a ministerial meeting in Libya calling for two permanent Security Council seats for Africa, with full rights, including veto power. 2027 Budget: The government has proposed 680 billion FCFA in public investment, including 327.7 billion from domestic resources. The bill still needs Parliament’s approval; external financing depends on an IMF program. Credit Outlook: Moody’s gave the Republic of the Congo a positive outlook, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices, but the shift is not a credit rating upgrade or a guarantee of cheaper borrowing. Currency Change: Five older CFA franc coin series lose legal tender status across CEMAC, including Congo, on November 1; holders will have a year to exchange them, though arrangements are pending.

2027 Budget: The government has proposed 680 billion FCFA in public investment, targeting infrastructure, energy, transport and agriculture. Parliament must still approve the plan; its 6.9% growth forecast and debt-reduction target assume external financing, which depends on an IMF program. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has given the Republic of Congo a positive outlook, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices. It is not a credit-rating upgrade, and debt risks remain. CFA Coins: Five older coin series will lose legal-tender status across CEMAC, including Congo, on November 1. Holders will have a year to exchange them, but locations and procedures are still to be announced.

2027 Budget: The government is proposing 680 billion FCFA in public investment, including 327.7 billion from domestic resources, with spending focused on infrastructure, energy, transport and agriculture. The bill still needs Parliament’s approval; it projects 6.9% growth and lower public debt, while external financing depends on an IMF agreement. Currency Change: Five older CFA franc coin series will lose legal-tender status across CEMAC, including Congo, on November 1. Holders will have a one-year exchange period, though BEAC has yet to announce where exchanges can be made. Economic Outlook: Moody’s has shifted its outlook for the Republic of Congo to positive, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices; this is not a credit-rating upgrade, and debt risks remain. Public Sector Pressure: Marien Ngouabi University staff have reportedly gone seven months without pay and set a deadline as a strike looms.

Budget and Growth: The government’s 2027 finance bill proposes 680 billion FCFA in public investment, with spending aimed at infrastructure, energy, transport and agriculture. It targets 6.9% growth and lower public debt, but external financing depends on an agreement with the IMF; Parliament must still approve the plan. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has given the Republic of Congo a positive outlook, citing regional reforms and stronger commodity prices. It is not a ratings upgrade, and debt risks remain. Currency Change: Five older CFA franc coin series will lose legal-tender status across CEMAC on November 1. Holders will have a year to exchange them, though the locations and procedures are not yet clear. University Pay Dispute: Marien Ngouabi University staff say they have gone seven months without pay and have set a deadline as a strike looms.

Currency Change: Five older CFA franc coin series will lose legal-tender status across CEMAC, including Congo, on November 1. Holders will have a one-year exchange period, though BEAC has yet to announce where and how exchanges will work. 2027 Budget: The government proposes 680 billion FCFA in public investment, including 327.7 billion from domestic resources, for infrastructure, energy, transport and agriculture. Parliament must still approve the plan. It targets 6.9% growth and a drop in public debt to 80.9% of GDP, with external financing tied to an IMF programme. Credit Outlook: Moody’s gave Congo a positive sovereign outlook, citing regional reforms, commodity prices and improved financing access. The agency cautioned that debt burdens and limited government revenue remain risks. Money Transfers: Congo’s regulator says operators must register and report transactions monthly under the 2026 finance law; violations can bring fines of up to 20 million FCFA.

2027 Budget: The government plans 680 billion FCFA in public investment, including 327.7 billion from domestic resources. The draft budget, awaiting Parliament’s approval, forecasts 6.9% growth and lower public debt, but says external financing depends on reaching an IMF programme. Regional Ties: Congo and Mozambique signed 11 cooperation agreements in Brazzaville, covering areas including hydrocarbons and fisheries, reviving a partnership that had seen little practical activity for decades. Financial Oversight: Congo’s money-transfer regulator says operators must register and report transactions monthly under the 2026 finance law, with fines of up to 20 million FCFA for violations. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has placed Congo among eight sub-Saharan African countries with a positive outlook, citing reforms and stronger commodity prices, while warning that debt-servicing costs and limited revenues remain risks.

2027 Budget: President Denis Sassou N’Guesso’s cabinet approved a draft budget forecasting 6.9% growth, driven largely by oil output of 112 million barrels. The government expects public debt to fall from 88.6% to 80.9% of GDP; the bill now goes to Parliament. Credit Outlook: Moody’s has shifted its outlook for the Republic of Congo to positive, alongside seven other sub-Saharan African countries, while warning that debt costs and weak revenue remain risks. Public Services: Staff at Marien Ngouabi University say they have gone seven months without pay and have set a deadline, with a strike looming. Financial Oversight: Congo’s money-transfer regulator says operators must register and report transactions monthly under the 2026 finance law, or face fines of up to 20 million CFA francs. Regional Ties: Congo and Mozambique signed 11 cooperation instruments in Brazzaville, covering areas including hydrocarbons, fisheries and regular political consultations, as they seek to revive a partnership that had been largely dormant for decades. History and Memory: Brazzaville marked 20 years of the Pierre-Savorgnan-de-Brazza memorial with debate over the legacy of the 1880 treaty between Brazza and Makoko Iloo I.

Regional Diplomacy: Congo and Mozambique agreed on 11 cooperation instruments after talks in Brazzaville, seeking to revive a partnership that had remained largely dormant for decades. The package spans political consultations, hydrocarbons and fisheries. Fuel and Public Finances: At a PCT meeting, Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso linked recurring fuel shortages to refinery problems, reduced crude supplies and limited funds for imports. He also addressed public debt and possible IMF talks. Government Accountability: Presidential-majority party PGR says it will track delivery of the government’s 2026–2031 programme, proposing an observatory to measure public-policy results. Education: Staff at Marien Ngouabi University say they have gone seven months without pay and have set a deadline, raising the prospect of a strike. Economic Outlook: Moody’s has raised its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa to positive, listing the Republic of Congo among eight rated countries with a positive outlook, while warning that debt costs and weak revenues remain risks.

Fuel and Public Finances: The ruling Congolese Party of Labour has pressed the government over persistent fuel shortages, citing refinery problems, tight crude supplies and the high cost of imports. Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso also addressed public debt and the prospect of a new IMF arrangement. Industrial Policy: Congo and Italy are exploring cooperation on special economic zones, value chains and workforce training at a seminar in Brazzaville. University Pay Dispute: Unions at Marien Ngouabi University gave the government 72 hours to address seven months of unpaid salaries and other arrears, warning that a strike could follow. Government Accountability: A party in the presidential majority has proposed tracking the government’s performance against its 2026–2031 programme, with a planned observatory and policy scorecard.

Ebola Response in Focus: Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case from Congo after a Kenyan citizen arrived via Uganda, was isolated at Nairobi Hospital, and died; authorities identified 28 contacts and traced 23 fellow passengers, with burial planned within 24 hours under protocol. Government Performance & Accountability: In Brazzaville, the presidential majority PGR unveiled its “Pact for Acceleration 2026-2031,” promising to grade the Government Action Programme using an observatory and a “barometer of acceleration” tied to baseline data. Higher Education Under Strain: Marien Ngouabi University staff unions issued a 72-hour strike notice over seven months of salary arrears, demanding full payment and alignment of the university pay calendar with civil service. Economic Policy & Investment: An Italy-Congo seminar in Brazzaville compared special economic zones models, aiming to spur industrial cooperation and investment, with Italy’s trade agency supporting the exchange. Regional Security Watch: Reports say Congo contributed an operational group to Russia’s Center-2026 drills, where African officials were shown military equipment and support systems.

Ebola Cross-Border Alert: Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case after a Kenyan man who had been living in Congo died in Nairobi, triggering high-alert surveillance, 28 identified contacts, and tracing of 23 fellow passengers from a Uganda route. University Pay Crisis: Marien Ngouabi University staff in Brazzaville issued a 72-hour strike notice over seven months of salary arrears, demanding full payment and alignment with the public-service pay calendar. Economic Governance Push: Congo’s presidential majority party (PGR) unveiled a “Pact for Acceleration 2026-2031” to grade its own government programme using baseline data, an observatory, and a “barometer of acceleration.” Industrial Cooperation: Brazzaville hosted a seminar comparing Italian and Congolese special economic zones, aiming to adapt SEZ value-chain and workforce models for new investment. Public Health Response Critique: Reporting from eastern Congo highlights delays and mistrust hampering Ebola containment, with a new center in Mangala described as “too late” by local health workers. Wildlife & Security: A Paris court case links a son of a Congolese minister to an alleged €100,000 plot to kill a judge, while separate reports track Ebola-linked violence and community tensions.

Mining Governance Pressure: Civil society groups and mining-affected communities are calling for an urgent overhaul of Congo’s mining rules, warning that weak enforcement and low transparency could repeat “growth without development.” Ebola Response Critique: In eastern Congo, health workers say a new Ebola center in Mangala is arriving too late, after response ramped up only in August despite earlier spread; the outbreak has killed over 3,900 since May. Central Bank Accountability: Congo’s Central Bank governor, André Wameso, wants CONFEP 2026 recommendations turned into a clear roadmap with deadlines, indicators, and responsibilities for provincial entities. Biodiversity Financing Plan: Congo launched Biofin in Brazzaville to build a National Biodiversity Finance Plan, aiming to fund the 2025–2030 biodiversity strategy beyond policy promises. Brazzaville City Day Diplomacy: Russian and African partners projected “I love you, Brazzaville” during City Day celebrations, signaling continued cultural-diplomatic engagement. Security-Linked Justice Case: A Paris court kept in custody the son of a Congolese minister accused of offering €100,000 for the killing of a judge investigating him.

Central Bank Governance: Central Bank of Congo governor André Wameso urged that CONFEP 2026 recommendations be turned into a clear roadmap with deadlines, indicators, and assigned responsibilities—covering staffing, infrastructure, connectivity, automation, fiduciary operations, risk management, and tighter HQ-province coordination. Biodiversity Financing: Congo launched Biofin in Brazzaville to build a National Biodiversity Finance Plan, aiming to secure the money needed to deliver the 2025–2030 biodiversity strategy, with support from the Global Environment Facility and UNDP. UN Security Council Reform: Congo used the UN General Assembly to press for Security Council reform, including Africa getting two permanent seats with veto power, and reiterated its bid for a non-permanent seat for 2030–2031. Military Training: Thirty-five FAC officers completed DEMIA 6, a six-month joint staff course at Marien-Ngouabi Military Academy, moving them into the restricted staff-officer corps. Wildlife & Culture: Brazzaville marked City Day with Russian and African partners projecting “I love you, Brazzaville” on the business centre and announcing a photo exhibition, while Relico’s 2027 dates were set for 16–18 September.

Human Rights & Security: Congo’s Human Rights Observatory (OCDH) says “Zéro Kuluna” has led to 561 enforced disappearances, urging names, independent inquiries and prosecutions tied to arrests by the DGSP. Military Training: In Brazzaville, 35 FAC officers completed DEMIA 6, a six-month joint staff course aimed at strengthening headquarters-level planning and crisis management. Ebola Response Under Strain: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths (4,018) from 8,300 confirmed cases, as WHO and Africa CDC warn of rapid spread and community mistrust; reports also highlight a politician killed after defending government measures. UN Diplomacy: Congo pushed UN Security Council reform at the 81st UNGA, backing Africa’s demand for two permanent seats with veto power and reiterating its bid for a 2030–2031 non-permanent seat. Regional Energy Integration: CEMAC, APPO and CABEF signed the revised CAPS pipeline MoU in Brazzaville, targeting a $14bn integrated oil-and-gas network with feasibility studies and investment mobilization. Cross-border Mineral Arbitration: A dispute over the Mbalam-Nabeba iron ore project underscores legal risk for governments: Cameroon faces a reported $616m ICC award after alleged violations tied to emergency orders, while the broader Congo-linked licensing fight continues to shape investor-state expectations.