Scoutisme Congolais joins global Scout Movement as 174th Member Organization

World Scouting today welcomed Scoutisme Congolais as the 174th Member Organization of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), further expanding the impact of Scouting across Africa.

Scouting first started in Congo in the 1930s, introduced through French Scouting initiatives, and was primarily offered in public and private schools. In 1965, Scouting was banned by the government, and did not reemerge again until the ban was lifted in 1991 following a period of political reform. This move enabled Scouting to flourish once again, and in 2012 nine Scout Associations came together to form "Mouvement du Scoutisme Congolais," an umbrella organisation that played a crucial role in maintaining a strong connection with WOSM, and enabled the growth and development of Scouting across the country.

Over the past decade, with support from the World Scout Bureau’s Africa Support Centre, the National Scout Organization worked to establish its governance structures, develop a constitution, gather census information, enact key policies and financial management systems, and offer a quality educational programme to Scouts in line with WOSM’s standards for membership. In March 2023, the organisation was officially renamed "Scoutisme Congolais," marking a significant milestone in its development and journey towards WOSM membership. 

“Congratulations to Scoutisme Congolais on becoming the 174th member of the World Organization on the Scout Movement. On behalf of the World Scout Committee and Scouts around the world, we express our heartfelt best wishes to our newest member as we continue to support its efforts to expand Scouting and create even more positive change in the communities," said Andy Chapman, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee

"Nearly three decades since Scouting's resurgence in Congo, today signifies a truly historic moment for Scouting in the country,” said Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General, of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). “As we welcome Scoutisme Congolais into the Scout Movement, we eagerly embrace the future and the profound impact that Scouting will have on the lives of young people as we continue to empower the next generation of leaders.”

“It is a pleasure to become a member of WOSM and celebrate this milestone during the 25th World Scout Jamboree,” said Emilienne Raoul, facilitator of Congo’s membership to WOSM. “ “We are grateful to all the partners and the government of Congo, who supported us during this process. We are excited to belong to this global family, and to offer quality Scouting to more young people in Congo as the largest youth education movement in the country.”

Today, Scoutisme Congolais is contributing to the holistic development of young people, enabling them to realise their full potential as global citizens and active members of their local, national, and international communities. Already more than 17,000 girls and boys actively participate in 435 Scout groups across the country’s 12 regions (known as departments), including the capital Brazzaville, as well as Pointe-Noire, Niari, Sangha, Bouenza, Plateaux, Pool, Cuvette, Cuvette-ouest, Likouala, Kouilou, and Lékoumou. 

With support from WOSM Services and consultants, a key priority for the National Scout Organization moving forward will be to reach out to new communities to further grow Scouting’s membership and tap into the potential of the more than 1.6 million young people aged 10 to 24 years who live in the country.