Congo Republic's Sassou seeks new term amid subdued turnout, internet outage
Outgoing President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is running for re-election, speaks after casting his vote during the presidential election at a polling station in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo on March 15, 2026.
Congo Republic voted in a presidential poll on Sunday which is expected to extend the rule of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, with a visibly thin turnout underscoring a lack of suspense over the outcome.
Sassou faces a weak field of challengers, with two of the country's best‑known opposition leaders in prison and others in exile. Several opposition parties boycotted the election, saying the process lacked credibility.
