WHEN BRAZZAVILLE LENDS A HAND TO HIS TALENTS OF THE STRANGER

In the Green Room of the Embassy of the Republic of Congo in Paris, the room is packed.

Entrepreneurs, doctors, researchers, academics, students, community leaders, and former elite athletes all come together there, driven by a shared aspiration: to be more involved in shaping the future of their country. The lively and sometimes passionate discussions demonstrate the deep attachment that Congolese people living in France continue to feel for the Republic of Congo.

For several hours, members of the diaspora engaged in open dialogue with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie, and Congolese Abroad, Constant-Serge Bounda. Marked by listening, accessibility, and consultation, this meeting illustrates the Congolese authorities' firm commitment to strengthening ties between the state and its citizens living abroad.

After the welcome address delivered by His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Congo to France, the minister immediately set the tone.

Keen to foster direct dialogue, he first wanted to get to know each participant personally and invited everyone to a roundtable discussion. This gesture was appreciated. Then, in a thoughtful move that did not go unnoticed, he asked members of his staff to give up their seats to the Congolese who had arrived last. This mark of courtesy and consideration was welcomed by everyone present, who saw it as a symbol of a commitment to placing Congolese living abroad at the heart of the discussions. Beyond the formal nature of the meeting, Brazzaville's message was unequivocal: the diaspora is now considered a strategic partner in national development. The authorities intend to move beyond a relationship long focused solely on consular missions to build lasting cooperation based on skills development, encouraging investment, transferring expertise, and actively involving Congolese living abroad in major public development policies.

Beyond the protocol aspect of the meeting, the message from Brazzaville is unequivocal: the diaspora is now considered a strategic partner in national development.

A DIASPORA AT THE HEART OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGY

From the outset, Constant-Serge Bounda set the tone. Addressing an attentive audience, he reminded them that Congolese people living abroad are no longer just an expatriate community, but a strategic resource for the country.“The Congolese diaspora represents a national asset. Through its skills, expertise, and investment capacity, it is destined to play a decisive role.” in the development of our country.This speech marks a shift in how public authorities now view relations with Congolese citizens abroad. The objective is no longer solely to fulfill traditional consular duties, but to build a lasting partnership capable of supporting the country's modernization. For the minister, this new dynamic rests on three essential principles: trust, listening, and consultation.

For many participants, this meeting represents a positive sign.

FRANK EXCHANGES ON THE CONCERNS OF THE DIASPORA

The floor was quickly given to the participants. The interventions followed one another in a constructive atmosphere. The concerns were numerous: delays in issuing administrative documents, improvement of consular services, protection of nationals, simplification of administrative procedures, recognition of diplomas, support for investors, and the creation of bridges between diaspora experts and public administrations.

The healthcare professionals present emphasized the potential for medical cooperation, continuing education, and technology transfer to Congolese hospitals. Entrepreneurs, for their part, advocated for a more favorable investment environment and improved security for economic projects. The minister responded to each of these concerns with a commitment to ongoing dialogue.

« Our ambition is to build a relationship of trust with all Congolese people living abroad. They are ambassadors for our country and essential partners for attracting investment, developing innovation, and strengthening scientific, economic, and cultural exchanges. ».

A DIASPORA THAT WANTS TO PASS OF THE INTENTION TO ACTION

For many participants, this meeting is a positive sign. Financial transfers from the diaspora already represent a significant contribution to the Congolese economy. However, many believe their contribution could be even more substantial if institutional mechanisms were put in place to support their initiatives.

Throughout the discussions, one message kept recurring: Congolese people abroad want to be involved in public policies, not as mere observers, but as true partners in development.

« We now expect the announced commitments to translate into concrete actions. This consultation must become permanent.», a representative of the association confided after the meeting.

MOBILIZED PERSONALITIES AROUND DIALOGUE

The meeting brought together several figures from the Congolese community, including Henri Ossebi, Firmin Édouard Matoko, Driss Senda, Gaston Nitou Samba, Innocente Félicité Sathoud, as well as former internationals Prince Oniangué and Delvin Ndinga.

French political figures also participated in the discussions, including Nadège Abomangoli, Vice-President of the French National Assembly and President of the France-Republic of Congo Friendship Group; Farida Amrani, Member of Parliament for Essonne; and Ferréol Gassackys, Member of Parliament and member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Congolese Abroad. Their presence underscored the importance placed on dialogue between French institutions and the Congolese community.

EXCHANGES INANYWHERE NEARBY

After the plenary session, protocol gives way to a more confidential exercise. The minister meets with several compatriots individually. Each participant has a few minutes to present their project, their difficulties, or their expectations. These direct exchanges allow for the discussion of personal situations, but also for the gathering of concrete proposals that could inform future reforms for the benefit of the diaspora.

STRENGTHENING THE AXIS BRAZZAVILLE PARIS

The minister's visit to Paris was not limited to exchanges with the diaspora. On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Constant-Serge Bounda met with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries, key issues within the Francophonie, security and diplomatic challenges in Africa, as well as several current international affairs.

The two ministers also discussed the continuation of major projects designed to support the development of the Republic of Congo, as well as strengthening cooperation on historical memory and the promotion of shared cultural heritage. For Constant-Serge Bounda, this meeting is fully aligned with the diplomatic vision championed by the President of the Republic.

" This This meeting is part of the dynamic initiated by His Excellency Mr. Denis Sassou N'Guesso, President of the Republic, whose diplomatic vision contributes to strengthening the Brazzaville-Paris axis, based on mutual trust, reciprocal respect and the search for concerted solutions to common challenges.

Beyond this Parisian meeting, Brazzaville displays a broader ambition: to build a true diaspora diplomacy.

TOWARDS A NEW DIPLOMACY SKILLS

Beyond this Parisian meeting, Brazzaville has a broader ambition: to build a genuine diaspora diplomacy. The idea is to mobilize Congolese skills established around the world in strategic sectors such as health, scientific research, higher education, new technologies, agriculture, industry, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Further consultations are planned in the coming months in Europe, North America, and Africa to establish an ongoing dialogue with Congolese communities abroad. In a context of increasingly global skills circulation, the challenge is no longer simply maintaining ties with expatriates. It now lies in transforming this diaspora into a genuine engine of development, capable of supporting the modernization of the Republic of Congo while strengthening its influence on the international stage.