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
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
