Congo’s disappearing discovery
The Republic of Congo’s announcement of a major discovery appears to be targeted more at extorting EU environmentalists and multilateral lenders than attracting IOCs
One year ago, the cash-strapped Republic of Congo announced it had discovered enough oil in its jungle interior to quadruple daily production. A find of this scale would transform the finances of the central African country (also known as Congo-Brazzaville) and strengthen ruler Denis Sassou Nguesso’s grip on power in the one-party state ahead of presidential pseudo-elections in 2021. Yet as the discovery’s anniversary approaches, scant information has been forthcoming and the government’s keenness to hype a seemingly bogus find underscores the waning credibility of Sassou’s endemically corrupt administration. “Some of the figures published in 2019 about this oil ‘discovery’ were totally ab
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
