Republic of Congo's president says he will run for reelection, possibly extending decades-long rule

President Denis Sassou N'guesso of the Republic of Congo has announced his candidacy for the March 15 presidential election. He made this announcement during a visit to an agricultural fair in Bambou Mingali. Sassou N'guesso first came to power in 1979 and has held the position for decades, winning four elections against a fragmented opposition. A 2015 referendum removed presidential term and age limits, allowing him to remain eligible. The main opposition party will not field a candidate, leaving him to face about a dozen lesser-known challengers. Despite being an oil-producing country, poverty remains widespread.