Poor in an oil-rich country: Republic of Congo’s youth hope for change In the bustling markets of Pointe-Noire, the economic heart of the Republic of Congo, the early morning hours are filled with the sounds of commerce. Amid the crowded stalls and street vendors, Romain Tchicaya sells medicines without a license, navigating a struggling economy where basic goods grow increasingly unaffordable. His story mirrors that of many young Congolese, who face a stark contrast between the country’s oil wealth and their daily realities. Tchicaya, 37, holds a degree in management but found himself without stable employment after university. “We are told the country is rich in oil, but I don’t see that wealth in my daily life,” he said. The city of Pointe-Noire, once known as “Ponton la Belle,” now struggles with crumbling infrastructure, flooded streets, and a lack of basic services. For Tchicaya, the gap between rhetoric and reality is glaring. Similar challenges face Brice Makaya, a 40-year-old computer science graduate who has never secured a stable job. Without income, he lives in a church, praying for a future that remains uncertain. “I’m still underhoused at my age and have no prospects,” he said. His situation reflects a broader crisis: despite being the third-largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, nearly half of Congo’s population lives below the poverty line. The upcoming presidential election on March 15 has placed economic concerns at the forefront for young voters. President Denis Sassou Nguesso, 82, seeks another term, but his campaign has faced criticism for failing to address youth unemployment. During a speech, Nguesso acknowledged the civil service’s limited capacity to absorb job seekers and urged self-employment. Yet for many, this message falls short.#world_bank #republic_of_congo #denis_sassou_nguesso #romain_tchicaya #brice_makaya
