Africa-Press. The Republic of Congo is heading to the polls on Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to keep veteran ruler Denis Sassou Nguesso in power, amid voter apathy among his challengers and what human rights groups describe as a climate of repression.
Sassou, 82, has ruled the oil-producing Central African nation since 1979, except for just five years. He faces six relatively little-known challengers after major opposition parties decided not to field candidates.
Two of the most prominent opposition figures, General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and André Okombi Salissa, remain in prison after being convicted of undermining state security.
Much of the concern surrounding the election stems from what human rights organizations describe as a crackdown on the opposition. Joe Washington Ebina, a prominent human rights activist, said activists have been arrested, several opposition parties have been suspended, and public gatherings are closely monitored.
He added that a recent violent state crackdown on youth gangs, locally known as “Bébés Noirs”, has intensified tensions and “created a climate in which people no longer feel safe leaving their homes or expressing their opinions.”
Maya Bovcon, an independent consultant specializing in West and Central African affairs, said: “Intimidation and repression by state security forces will once again play a key role in supporting Sassou Nguesso’s rule. The tactic of allowing security forces to vote before election day — enabling them to patrol polling stations — proved effective in 2021.”
Rosalie Tsianko, a communications specialist in Brazzaville, said: “Wherever I look, I see only the president’s face, as if the others are not even in the race.”
Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso rejected accusations of repression and political bias, saying: “No election is decided in advance.” He added that Congo has oversight bodies “to ensure transparency, integrity and the vitality of our democracy.”
Meanwhile, opposition candidate Ephrem Dave Mafoula urged a small crowd of supporters at a rally in Brazzaville to consider an alternative. “Forty years of suffering is enough,” he said, criticizing Sassou’s economic and social record.
More than 3.2 million Congolese are eligible to vote, but many say they will not participate, expecting few surprises. Official turnout reached about 68% in the 2021 presidential election, though civil society groups expect it to be lower this time.
