What You Need to Know
The Congolese ruling party, the Congolese Labor Party, has opened its sixth conference in Brazzaville, urging President Denis Sassou Nguesso to run for another term in the upcoming March 2026 elections. At 82, Sassou Nguesso has ruled for over 40 years, with his party citing his political experience and commitment to peace as reasons for their support.
Africa. The Congolese Labor Party, the ruling party in Congo, has opened its sixth conference in Brazzaville in preparation for the presidential elections scheduled for March 2026, calling on President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is 82 years old, to run for another term.
Born in 1943, Denis Sassou Nguesso has ruled Congo, a small oil-rich country in Central Africa, for over forty years. He led the country under a one-party system from 1979 to 1992 before being defeated in the first multiparty elections by Pascal Lissouba.
After returning to power in 1997 following a civil war, he was elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2009. In 2015, he amended the constitution to eliminate the two-term limit.
The party’s secretary-general, Pierre Moussa, announced to around 3,000 participants from across the country: “The Congolese Labor Party calls on President Denis Sassou Nguesso to run in the upcoming presidential elections,” which are set to take place on March 22, 2026.
He added amid loud applause: “We support this candidacy for clear reasons: he is the most experienced figure in Congolese politics and the guarantor of peace that he builds daily in our country.”
Moussa confirmed, in the presence of representatives from both the majority and opposition parties invited to the conference’s opening: “President Denis Sassou Nguesso is a symbol of courage.”
Party spokesman Parfait Iloki noted that the party will review the actions taken since its last conference in 2019 until December 30.
Denis Sassou Nguesso has been a significant figure in Congolese politics since the late 20th century. After initially ruling from 1979 to 1992, he returned to power in 1997 following a civil war. His tenure has been marked by constitutional changes, including the removal of term limits, allowing him to extend his presidency. The political landscape in Congo has been shaped by his leadership and the dynamics between various political parties.
The upcoming elections in March 2026 are crucial as they will determine the future direction of the country. The ruling party’s support for Sassou Nguesso reflects a desire to maintain stability and continuity in governance.
