News
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Paris, Strasbourg and Miami: The 11 properties linked to Congo-Brazzaville’s powerful presidential advisor
A recent investigation has revealed that Maxime Gandzion, a close adviser to Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguessou, owns 11 upscale properties in France and the US. These findings raise concerns about the ties between the elite and their potential profiting from politically controversial dealings, with Gandzion’s family linked to past corruption scandals.
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Advocates Seek U.S. and Canadian Sanctions on Congolese President’s Son, Daughter for Embezzlement, Laundering into United States
Three organizations submitted a dossier to the U.S. and Canada, urging targeted sanctions against Denis Sassou Nguesso’s children for their roles in embezzling Congolese funds. This call for action highlights corruption’s impact on the Congolese people and seeks to ensure accountability and justice through coordinated international efforts against corrupt officials.
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Unlocking Africa’s Future: The Strategic Imperative of Beneficial Ownership Transparency
Corruption thrives in Africa’s resource-rich economies due to a lack of transparency, particularly in beneficial ownership registrations. The absence of reliable data exacerbates illicit financial flows and weakens public trust. Although reform initiatives are emerging, such as accountability actions against multinational corporations, urgent measures are necessary to enhance transparency and foster sustainable growth.
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Upcoming Event: Beneficial Ownership – A Tool for Transparency in Africa
Join the UNODC on December 18, 2025, for a virtual session titled “Beneficial Ownership: A Tool for Transparency in Africa.” This event focuses on enhancing accountability and anti-corruption efforts in Central Africa. Experts will discuss innovative strategies and the role of civil society in promoting transparency amidst ongoing challenges.
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Opening Central Africa Condemns the Arbitrary Impediment of Young Angolan Activists at 4 de Fevereiro Airport
On November 22, 2025, seven Angolan activists were denied boarding a flight to Cape Verde, raising concerns about their right to free movement and democratic engagement. Opening Central Africa condemned this obstruction, emphasizing the need for accountability and support for programs fostering youth empowerment and democratic values across the region.
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Friends of Angola with Opening Central Africa Announce Special Side Event at UNCAC CoSP11 in Doha
Friends of Angola and Opening Central Africa will host a hybrid event titled “Beneficial ownership: A tool for transparency in Africa” on December 18, 2025, at CoSP11 in Doha. The session aims to combat corruption by discussing strategies, case studies, and recommendations to improve transparency and accountability in Central Africa.
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Sassoufit collective launching a Web browser game against kleptocracy !
“For every underpaid or unpaid Congolese civil servant, this game’s your protest. Fire it up on those government computers and turn your workday into a digital uprising!”
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JOINT OPEN LETTER FROM ANGOLAN CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS TO THE ARGENTINE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (AFA) AND ITS NATIONAL TEAM
Luanda, August 18, 2025 Recipients: Subject: Appeal for the Cancellation of the Friendly Match with the Angola National Team (Palancas Negras) Your Excellencies, With our respectful greetings, The undersigned organizations — the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation of CEAST, Pro Bono Angola, the Justice, Peace and Democracy Association (AJPD), and…
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Angola: OCA Condemns the Use of Live Ammunition Against Unarmed Civilians During a Taxi Drivers’ Strike
The Opening Central Africa Coalition (OCA) strongly condemns Angola’s violent response to peaceful protests sparked by a 47% fuel price hike. With 22 killed and over 1,200 arrested, OCA calls for an end to repression, the release of detainees, and urgent dialogue with civil society to address systemic injustice.
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Crisis in the Streets of Luanda: Fuel Price Hike Protests Escalate into Looting and Vandalism
By Friends of Angola Luanda, July 27, 2025 — What began as a peaceful protest against the Angolan government’s recent 47% increase in fuel prices has escalated into a wave of social unrest marked by looting, vandalism, and a forceful security crackdownin several parts of the country. The move to eliminate subsidies on diesel —…