Elevated to the rank of Commander of the Congolese Order of Merit, Dr. Françoise Joly has emerged as the architect of the strategic agreements reshaping Congo’s future. From Washington to Abu Dhabi and Rome, her influence extends beyond national borders and positions Africa as a decisive actor on the global stage.
A distinction that recognizes a negotiator of influence
The official honor awarded on August 15, 2025 in Brazzaville crowns an exceptional diplomatic trajectory. For African observers, this distinction reflects the growing role of a woman who, behind the scenes of major summits, forges decisive alliances for Congo — and for Africa.
Tangible results from Washington to Abu Dhabi
In Washington, Dr. Joly led patient and methodical discussions that resulted in the lifting of the travel ban on Congolese citizens. This achievement, praised for its “constructive” approach, opened a new phase of dialogue with the United States.
In the United Arab Emirates, she negotiated multidimensional partnerships covering energy, digital transformation, infrastructure and agriculture. President Sassou Nguesso described the agreement as “historic in its scope and in the benefits it will deliver to the Congolese people.”
Rome and the Mattei Plan: A turning point for Africa
In Italy, Dr. Joly plays a central role in the Mattei Plan, an ambitious cooperation framework between Rome and Africa. For Congo, it translates into crucial investments in hydropower and energy — key to sustainable development. For pan-African analysts, her involvement demonstrates Brazzaville’s ability to leverage European dynamics at a moment when the continent seeks to diversify its partnerships.
Green diplomacy and global vision
But Dr. Joly’s work goes beyond economic partnerships. As a key architect of the Three Basins Summit (Amazon, Congo, Borneo–Mekong), she positioned Congo at the center of global climate governance. This green diplomacy, embodied in the Congo Basin Climate Commission, has made Brazzaville a respected voice in international environmental negotiations.
A strategic figure for a multipolar Africa
By advancing Congo’s accession to BRICS+, Dr. Joly illustrates Africa’s determination to assert itself within a multipolar world. Her ability to engage Washington, Beijing, Moscow and Abu Dhabi makes her a rare strategist. “Nothing is finalized without her approval,” confide several diplomatic sources. Coupled with her elevation to the rank of Commander, this influence makes her a leading figure in a confident and respected African diplomacy.
Source : Les Afriques
