The Republic of Congo: from stalled transition to intractable crises

With economic meltdown looming, international mediation is needed to build trust and help resolve the political crisis.

The Republic of Congo is experiencing a multidimensional crisis. Against the backdrop of a growing economic meltdown and approaching term limits, President Denis Sassou Nguesso embarked on a self-serving constitutional reform process. This process, which was sold by the Presidential Majority as necessary for institutional renewal, altered age and term limits, allowing Sassou Nguesso to run and win re-election, and ensured the continuity of the regime. The intractable political crisis that ensued has worsened with every successive electoral contest.

About the author

Fonteh Akum is a senior researcher in the Peace and Security Research Programme. Previously, he worked with the United States Department of Defense and the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa. Fonteh holds a PhD in Politics and International Studies from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies.