Denis Sassou-N’guesso was formally inaugurated on Thursday as president of the Republic of the Congo after securing victory in the March presidential election.
During his swearing-in address, the 82-year-old leader pledged to deliver economic growth and expand employment opportunities for young people as he begins his fifth term in office.
He said his administration would focus on reviving the economy, with particular emphasis on strengthening agriculture and industrial development across the Central African nation.
Speaking at the ceremony in Brazzaville, attended by several foreign heads of state, he stated: “Create jobs for as many people as possible and continue to develop basic infrastructure and promote development.”
The veteran leader won the election outright in the first round, securing 94.90% of the vote. Official figures placed voter turnout above 84%, although independent observers had anticipated much lower participation due to a weak opposition field.
Election monitors, including representatives from the African Union, described the poll as “peaceful and orderly,” while the six opposing candidates raised concerns, alleging irregularities and low turnout.
Sassou-N’Guesso, representing the Congolese Party of Labour, first assumed power in 1979 and remained in office until 1992, when the country transitioned to its first multi-party elections. He later returned to power in 1997 following a brief civil conflict.
The Republic of the Congo continues to grapple with heavy external debt, estimated at 94.5% of GDP by the World Bank, alongside rising youth unemployment and widespread poverty affecting more than half of its 5.7 million citizens. Nearly 47% of the population is under the age of 18.
Throughout his campaign, he highlighted his economic track record, pointing to efforts to modernise infrastructure and expand the gas and agriculture sectors with the aim of achieving greater self-sufficiency.
Oil and gas remain the backbone of government revenue, supporting projected economic growth of around 2.9% in 2025. Despite this, poverty levels remain high, with more than half the population living below the poverty line.
Critics argue that much of the country’s oil wealth has been lost to corruption, with allegations that significant revenues have been diverted into the accounts of senior officials.
The administration has previously faced multiple legal complaints and investigations, including cases pursued in France.