Congo’s 82 Year Old President Set to Extend Four Decades in Power

West Africa WeeklyMarch 11, 20261 Mins read11

Incumbent President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso looks on during an interview with AFP in Dolisie,on March 1, 2026. The campaign for next month's presidential election in Congo-Brazzaville began on February 28, 2026, with 82-year-old President Denis Sassou Nguesso seemingly assured of extending his decades in power.The career military officer first led Congo under the one-party system from 1979 to 1992 before losing the country's first multi-party elections to former prime minister Pascal Lissouba. (Photo by Glody MURHABAZI / AFP)

President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo appears poised to extend his long rule as the country heads into another presidential election.

At 82 years old, Sassou Nguesso has governed the oil rich Central African nation for more than four decades, making him one of the longest serving leaders on the continent. He first came to power in 1979 and later returned to the presidency after a civil war in the late 1990s.

The upcoming vote is expected to return him to office for another five year term. The political opposition remains divided and several major opposition groups have boycotted the election, arguing that the political environment is not fair.

Observers say the fragmented opposition and the dominance of the ruling party have made Sassou Nguesso the clear favorite in the race.

Despite the country’s oil wealth, many citizens continue to face economic hardship, with high unemployment and widespread poverty still affecting large parts of the population.

The election is also raising questions about succession, as analysts speculate about who might eventually take over leadership in one of Central Africa’s most resource rich states.