Rémy Ayayos Ikounga named deputy grand master of Congo's Masonic lodge
Colonel major Rémy Ayayos Ikounga replaces Jean-Dominique Okemba, who was removed in April.
Colonel major Rémy Ayayos Ikounga has been appointed the new deputy grand master of the Grande Loge du Congo. The ceremony took place on October 24-25 in Brazzaville during the lodge's general assembly. Ikounga, who is close to Edgar Nguesso, replaces Jean-Dominique Okemba, who was dismissed in April.
Ikounga, who also heads the presidential domain directorate, is described as a fervent Catholic and president of the football club L'Athlétic Club Léopards de Dolisie from 2008 to 2017. He also leads the association of former students of the military preparatory school Général-Leclerc. The appointment was made by Grand Master Denis Sassou-Nguesso.
The Grande Loge du Congo's assembly was attended by foreign delegations from the Grande Loge nationale française and the Grande Loge unie d'Angleterre. Claude Dohou, deputy grand master of the GLNF, officiated the ceremony. Maixent Raoul Ominga, director general of the national oil company, was named provincial grand master for the North.
Why it mattersThe appointment of Rémy Ayayos Ikounga as deputy grand master of the Grande Loge du Congo affects the leadership within a significant Masonic obedience in the country.