Jean-Paul Pigasse, Media Mogul and Founder of Adiac Group, Dies at 87

Jean-Paul Pigasse, a prominent figure in Central African media and the founder of the Adiac press group, passed away on July 11, 2026, in a Paris hospital at the age of 87. Pigasse, who considered the Republic of the Congo his second home after France, was celebrated for his significant contributions to media and culture in the Congo Basin. His death was met with widespread emotion among journalists from his publications, including Les Dépêches de Brazzaville and Le Courrier de Kinshasa.

Born in Toulouse, France, on July 26, 1939, Pigasse studied law and political science. His distinguished journalism career included leadership roles at major Parisian newspapers such as Les Échos and L'Express. A pivotal moment in his career was his meeting with Congolese President Denis Sassou N'Guesso in the mid-1990s, which led to the establishment of the Adiac news agency and Les Dépêches de Brazzaville. Pigasse dedicated three decades to promoting the interests of the Republic of the Congo, not only through media but also by fostering its literary and artistic scene. He founded the Librairie galerie Congo in Paris and was instrumental in organizing the participation of books and authors from the Congo Basin at the Paris Book Fair. He also contributed to the establishment of a museum dedicated to Central African art, reflecting his deep affection for the country and its traditions.