Congo President Nguesso to Seek Another Term, Extending 40-Year Rule

The Republic of Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso has confirmed his intention to run for another term in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for March, potentially extending his more than four-decade-long rule.

In a statement from the presidency, Nguesso announced his candidacy before a crowd of several thousand in the southern district of Ignie. At 82, he is one of Africa’s oldest serving leaders.

Constitutional reforms passed in 2015 removed the previous age limit of 70 for presidential candidates and introduced three five-year terms, allowing Nguesso to legally stand for re-election.

Nguesso first led the country under a one-party system from 1979 to 1992 before losing to Pascal Lissouba in Congo’s first democratic elections. He returned to power in 1997 following a civil war and has remained in office since.

The ruling Congolese Labour Party (PCT) confirmed in December that Nguesso would seek a new term, following his March 2021 election victory where he secured 88% of the vote.