Ouesso flag-raising ceremony sets the tone
OUESSO, Republic of Congo — The prefect of the Sangha department, Édouard Denis Okouya, urged local senior officials to carry out the State’s core responsibilities with “love and selflessness” during the first flag-raising ceremony of the year, held on Jan. 5 in Ouesso, according to the Congolese Information Agency (ACI).
The ceremony brought together administrative and political authorities as well as the mixed command of the public security forces, a presence that underscored the official nature of the gathering and the message of discipline and public service conveyed at the start of the year (ACI).
State missions and public service: a direct call
Speaking to Sangha’s cadres, Okouya insisted on a rigorous approach to the State’s sovereign missions, presenting them as a daily obligation that requires commitment and a sense of duty. His remarks framed public administration as a practical service to citizens and communities across the department (ACI).
In a department that includes Ouesso and surrounding localities, the prefect’s appeal focused on work ethic and responsibility, emphasizing that public roles should be carried out with dedication rather than routine. The objective, he suggested, is to keep administration effective and responsive (ACI).
March presidential election: participation, calm, oversight
Turning to national current affairs, Okouya encouraged citizens to take part “massively” in the presidential election scheduled for March. He stressed that the vote should take place in a climate of calm and serenity, reflecting a preference for orderly civic engagement (ACI).
The prefect also said he would personally ensure the smooth running of the electoral deadline. The statement signaled local-level readiness to support an organized process, in line with the responsibilities of territorial administration in coordinating public order and administrative logistics (ACI).
Resilience message amid the national context
Okouya addressed what he described as the current situation facing the country, calling on residents to show resilience in order to overcome difficulties. Without detailing specific challenges, he presented resilience as a shared attitude that helps communities navigate demanding periods (ACI).
He linked this call to the importance of patriotism and the general interest, placing national cohesion and public-mindedness at the center of his message. In his view, the primacy of the general interest should guide both officials and citizens during moments that test institutions (ACI).
Surprise visits planned to local administrations
In a practical announcement, the prefect said surprise visits would soon be organized in the department’s various administrations. The move appears aimed at reinforcing standards, monitoring performance, and ensuring that public services operate as expected across different offices (ACI).
Such visits, as presented during the ceremony, fit into a broader emphasis on discipline and results in the public sector. They also serve as a reminder that state missions are not only proclaimed during official events but are expected to be delivered consistently (ACI).
A New Year wish to families in Sangha
At the end of the ceremony, Okouya offered New Year wishes to residents and their families, expressing hope for better days ahead. The closing note, reported by ACI, rounded out a message combining civic duty, administrative rigor, and a call for unity in 2026 (ACI).