Congo-Brazzaville Votes as Sassou Nguesso Seeks Fifth Term
People in the Republic of Congo went to the polls on Sunday to choose a new president, with incumbent Denis Sassou Nguesso widely expected to secure another victory. The 82 year old leader is running for a fifth consecutive term, which would extend his rule beyond four decades in the oil rich nation.
About three million voters are registered, but turnout is expected to be low. Six candidates are standing against Sassou Nguesso, already one of Africa’s longest serving leaders. However, the opposition is divided and weakened. Two prominent figures, General Jean Marie Michel Mokoko and André Okombi Salissa, are serving 20 year prison sentences, while others remain in exile. Several parties have boycotted the election, claiming the process lacks credibility.
The president campaigned across the country, backed by the ruling Congolese Workers’ Party, urging citizens to vote. His final rally in Brazzaville on Friday drew thousands of supporters, where he stressed security and stability as key achievements of his leadership. Rights groups, however, accuse his government of persecuting opponents and restricting political freedoms.
Sassou Nguesso has highlighted his economic record, pointing to infrastructure projects and efforts to develop gas and agriculture to reduce dependence on oil. Congo’s economy is projected to grow by 2.9 percent in 2025, driven largely by hydrocarbons, which account for more than three quarters of export earnings. Yet more than half of the population still lives below the poverty line. Critics say corruption and mismanagement have drained state oil revenues, with senior officials accused of siphoning funds abroad. The government has faced several investigations, including in France.
While Sassou Nguesso’s re election appears likely, the constitution bars him from running again in 2031. He has said he will not remain in power forever and that younger leaders will eventually take over, though he has not named a successor.
Sassou Nguesso first ruled Congo under a one party system from 1979 to 1992, before losing multi party elections. He returned to power in 1997 after a civil war and has since won elections in 2002, 2009, 2016, and 2021, contests the opposition said were neither free nor fair.
The Republic of Congo, a former French colony that gained independence in 1960, has long maintained close ties with France and Russia. As the third largest oil producer in sub Saharan Africa, it remains heavily dependent on hydrocarbons.
Polling stations opened at 7:00 am local time and will close at 6:00 pm. If no candidate wins outright, a second round is scheduled three weeks later.
