Denis Sassou Nguesso has been sworn in for a new five-year term as President of the Republic of the Congo, during a ceremony held in Kintélé, north of the capital Brazzaville, with large public attendance.
His re-election in March with 94.8% of the vote extends a rule that has lasted more than four decades—directly or indirectly—in the oil-rich Central African nation, where he faced six relatively unknown candidates.
The country continues to face mounting economic challenges, including a high debt-to-GDP ratio and rising youth unemployment, according to the World Bank.
Sassou Nguesso’s continued hold on power has been enabled in part by constitutional amendments, notably a 2015 referendum that removed age limits and term restrictions, allowing him to run again.
In his inauguration speech, he pledged not to betray the trust of the people, emphasizing national unity and declaring himself a president for all Congolese citizens.
Sassou Nguesso is among Africa’s longest-serving leaders, ranking after Paul Biya and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in terms of time in power.
He first took office in 1979, lost power in 1992, and returned following a brief civil war in 1997, remaining in power ever since.
His longevity in office has been supported by strong political and military alliances, control over state institutions, and a fragmented opposition.