In the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), the centrist Union for Republican Refoundation has formally lined up behind the incumbent head of state ahead of next month’s presidential ballot.
A Centrist Party Rallies the Majority
The Union for Republican Refoundation, known by its French acronym Unirr, declared its support for President Denis Sassou Nguesso. The move follows his February 5 announcement that he would seek a fresh term.
The election is set for March 15, 2026. Unirr’s endorsement adds another voice to the wider coalition of presidential-majority parties already mobilising around the sitting president.
Roger Ndokolo Frames a Vote for Stability
Speaking at a press briefing, Unirr president Roger Ndokolo cast the decision as a choice for continuity and calm. He tied his party’s backing to the wider goal of preserving the country’s institutions.
“Seeing Denis Sassou Nguesso seek a new mandate to the high office of the Republic of Congo, with the authority of the state, fits the logic of preserving, in all circumstances, social peace, national cohesion and institutional stability,” Ndokolo said.
He added that this gave his party “one more reason” to support the head of state in his bid. Ndokolo urged members and sympathisers to join the dynamic already set in motion by the majority coalition.
Hopes Pinned on a Generational Shift
Looking to the 2026-2031 term, Ndokolo voiced hope for a bright mandate. He framed it as the start of a generational handover meant to leave Congo united, supportive and prosperous.
He described the country as an island of peace in Central Africa. He invoked the spirit of “progress through the land, unity through work,” echoing the theme of the country’s Grand Agricultural Fair.
In his vision, every citizen should count, with women and young people acting as genuine drivers of development. The aim, he said, is to build a Republic of Congo that is bold, productive and innovative.
Agriculture at the Heart of the Pitch
The endorsement leaned heavily on the farming agenda. According to Ndokolo, the head of state has committed to spreading agricultural momentum across the whole country.
That drive, he argued, would let Congolese people be free because they would consume what they produce. He predicted the movement would gain strength in the years ahead, with the president pledging to support it.
One Candidate, One Message
The party’s stance left little room for nuance. Through its president, Unirr summed up its position in a single line.
“Denis Sassou Nguesso is our only candidate for the presidential election of March 15, 2026,” Ndokolo declared.