Republic of Congo’s Prime Minister Makosso resigns after presidential inauguration

Republic of Congo Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso has resigned along with his Cabinet following President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s swearing-in for a fifth term. The outgoing government will remain in a caretaker role until a new cabinet is formed. Sassou Nguesso, re-elected in March with nearly 95% of the vote, is expected to appoint a new government as he continues his long-standing rule.

The Republic of Congo’s Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso has formally submitted his resignation, along with that of his entire Cabinet, to President Denis Sassou Nguesso, marking the beginning of a governmental reshuffle following the president’s swearing-in for a new term. The presidency confirmed the development in an official statement on Sunday, noting that the step clears the way for the formation of a new government.
According to the statement, the outgoing prime minister and ministers will remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is appointed. During this interim period, they are expected to continue managing day-to-day state affairs, ensuring administrative continuity and stability across government institutions while the transition process is completed.
Makosso, who has served as prime minister since 2021, used the occasion to express gratitude to President Sassou Nguesso for the trust placed in him throughout his tenure. He acknowledged the opportunity to serve in one of the country’s highest government positions and indicated his continued readiness to support the president and the state in any future capacity. His resignation follows a well-established political practice in the Republic of Congo, where the appointment of a new presidential term is typically accompanied by the dissolution or reformation of the cabinet.
The resignation comes just days after President Denis Sassou Nguesso was inaugurated for a fifth term in office following his victory in the March 15 presidential election. The inauguration reaffirmed his long-standing dominance in Congolese politics, extending a rule that has spanned decades, with only brief interruptions. The election outcome saw him secure a decisive win, reportedly obtaining nearly 95 percent of the vote, while six other candidates participated in the contest.
Congo-Brazzaville, as the country is also known, is one of Central Africa’s major oil-producing nations, and its political stability is closely tied to its economic management and resource governance. Sassou Nguesso’s continued leadership has been a defining feature of the country’s political landscape, with his administration maintaining strong control over state institutions.
During his inauguration speech, President Sassou Nguesso pledged to prioritize efforts aimed at addressing conflicts affecting Africa, stating that his government would contribute to regional peace initiatives. His remarks reflected a broader diplomatic ambition to position the Republic of Congo as an active participant in continental efforts to resolve instability and promote cooperation among African states.
Sassou Nguesso is among the longest-serving leaders in Africa, ranking third after Cameroon’s Paul Biya and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. His extended time in office has been made possible in part by a constitutional referendum held in 2015, which removed both presidential age and term limits, enabling him to continue contesting elections beyond previous restrictions.
With the resignation of Makosso and his Cabinet, attention now turns to the composition of the next government, which is expected to be appointed by the president in the coming period. The new cabinet will likely reflect the president’s political priorities for his new term, including governance continuity, economic management, and regional diplomatic engagement.
The transition underscores both the routine nature of cabinet reshuffles in the country’s political system and the continued central role of the presidency in shaping government direction. While leadership positions may change, the broader political framework under Sassou Nguesso’s administration is expected to remain largely consistent, maintaining stability while preparing for the next phase of governance.