The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, extended his heartfelt congratulations to his longtime ally, Denis Sassou Nguesso, following Nguesso’s successful re-election as President of the Republic of Congo for a second consecutive term.
Reports indicate that Putin was the first international leader to acknowledge Nguesso’s victory, further solidifying a partnership that has noticeably strengthened over the past two years.
“I am confident that your new term will deepen the friendship between our nations and provide renewed momentum for our mutually beneficial cooperation,” Putin stated, according to Sputnik.
In March 2026, Denis Sassou Nguesso secured re-election with an overwhelming 94–95% of the vote, extending his presidency into a fifth term and marking over four decades in power.
The outcome was largely anticipated, reflecting Nguesso’s firm control over the political system, a divided or weak opposition, and the absence of major challengers several of whom had boycotted the election or faced imprisonment or exile.
Nguesso has effectively held power since 1979, apart from a brief break in the 1990s. His continued eligibility was enabled by a 2015 constitutional amendment that removed age and term limits for the presidency.
Russia–Congo relations
The Republic of the Congo serves as a key example of an African state pursuing a strategic alliance with Russia.
This move aligns with a wider trend across the continent, where several nations are shifting away from traditional Western partnerships in favor of bilateral cooperation with both Russia and China.
The partnership has cultivated a strong diplomatic connection between the two leaders, evident from their interactions over the last two years.
In May 2025, a delegation led by President Nguesso visited Russia to meet with President Putin and his officials to discuss bilateral ties.
During the meetings, both leaders reflected on the historical foundations of their countries’ relationship, recalling how their nations’ bond was shaped during the challenges of the Second World War.
A few months later, in September 2025, Putin praised Brazzaville’s cooperation with Moscow, emphasizing the reliability of the Republic of Congo as a partner.
The Russian president has maintained frequent personal contact with Nguesso, underscoring the closeness of their diplomatic relationship.
Among bilateral initiatives, the Kremlin signed a naval cooperation memorandum with the Central African Republic in November 2025, following discussions between Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin and Congo’s National Defense Minister Charles Mondjo.
In June, Putin ratified an agreement with Congo to develop the Pointe-Noire–Loutété–Maloukou–Trechot petroleum product pipeline, connecting Loutété, Maloukou, and the coastal city of Pointe-Noire. This deal had originally been signed in Moscow on September 28, 2024.
Perhaps the most significant collaboration between the two nations involves plans for hydropower and civilian nuclear energy, established through an agreement reached in July 2024.