Message from Brazzaville Ahead of the March Presidential Election
In Brazzaville on January 7, President Denis Sassou N’Guesso called on the nation’s “vital forces” to preserve unity, peace, and national cohesion as the Republic of the Congo moves toward the presidential election scheduled for March.
This appeal was made as the head of state received New Year’s greetings from national institutions and representatives of the nation’s “vital forces,” a broad term commonly used to refer to organized actors in public life. He used this occasion to place calm and social harmony at the heart of the upcoming political period.
A Commitment to a Calm and Orderly Democratic Moment
Denis Sassou N’Guesso stated that the presidential election, described as a major national event, must take place “in peace and harmony.” He presented the credibility of a democratic exercise as being closely linked to mutual understanding and respect between citizens and political actors.
Without naming any parties or individuals, the president’s speech emphasized shared responsibilities rather than confrontation. His message suggested that the atmosphere surrounding the vote is as important as the mechanics of the event, and that restraint and mutual recognition help maintain the stability of institutions and communities.
Diversity Presented as a National Strength
The president recalled that Congo’s cultural, political, and religious diversity is a form of national wealth. In his remarks, he emphasized that respecting differences is part of consolidating social cohesion and strengthening the sense of community.
By placing plural identities within a single national framework, the head of state indicated that diversity is not presented as a threat but as a resource. The underlying argument is that unity is built through recognition and respect, rather than uniformity, especially during politically sensitive periods.
The Role of “Vital Forces” in Protecting National Peace
Denis Sassou N’Guesso described the “vital forces” as essential components of the national community. He urged them to contribute, each at their own level, to the consolidation of peace, indicating that responsibility is distributed across many spheres of society.
In Congolese public life, this expression can include institutional bodies, professional groups, civil society, and community figures. The president’s statement presented these actors not as spectators, but as stakeholders called upon to contribute to maintaining a climate of calm, dialogue, and social discipline.
Religion, Social Values, and the Principle of Secularism
Addressing the place of religion in Congolese society, the president acknowledged its contribution to promoting peace, love for one’s neighbor, and tolerance, while reaffirming the secular nature of the state. He cited the teachings of Christianity and Islam, presented as the country’s main religions, as references supporting cohesion.
The formulation balanced two ideas: valuing faith-based moral messages and preserving a neutral state framework. In practice, it positions religious leaders as partners in strengthening social values, while insisting that public authority remains grounded in secularism for all citizens, regardless of their beliefs.
Political Actors Urged to Prioritize Dialogue and Civility
The head of state also called on political actors, associations, and non-governmental organizations to strengthen dialogue, listening, and civility. He described them as essential pillars for a united and stable society, especially as elections approach.
The emphasis on listening and civil conduct indicated an expectation that disagreements remain managed within respectful limits. By linking these behaviors to stability, the message implicitly treats rhetoric and street tensions as factors that can either protect or weaken social cohesion.
Unity–Work–Progress: A Motto Presented as a Compass for 2026
Denis Sassou N’Guesso extended his call to all national components: political and administrative officials, religious and customary authorities, as well as women and youth. He encouraged them to promote the values of the national motto, “Unity–Work–Progress.”
He concluded by extending his wishes for a happy 2026 to Congolese citizens. The sequence of themes – peace, respect for diversity, secularism, and civic dialogue – positioned the motto as a practical guide for daily conduct and collective responsibility during an important election year.