Brazzaville message ahead of the March presidential vote
In Brazzaville on Jan. 7, President Denis Sassou-N’Guesso called on the country’s “vital forces” to protect unity, peace and national cohesion as Congo-Brazzaville moves toward the presidential election scheduled for March, according to ACI.
The appeal came as the head of state responded to New Year greetings delivered by national institutions and representatives of the nation’s “vital forces,” a broad expression commonly used for organized actors in public life. He used the moment to place calm and social harmony at the center of the coming political sequence.
A pledge for a calm, orderly democratic moment
Denis Sassou-N’Guesso said the presidential election, described as a major national appointment, should take place “in peace and concord.” He presented the credibility of a democratic exercise as closely linked to mutual understanding and respect among citizens and political actors (ACI).
Without naming parties or individuals, the president’s language emphasized shared responsibilities rather than confrontation. His message suggested that the atmosphere surrounding the vote matters as much as the mechanics of the event, and that restraint and mutual recognition help keep institutions and communities stable.
Diversity framed 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 stressed that respecting differences is part of consolidating living together and strengthening social cohesion (ACI).
By placing plural identities within a single national frame, the head of state signaled 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 its own level, to the consolidation of peace, indicating that responsibility is spread across many spheres of society (ACI).
In Congolese public life, this expression can include institutional bodies, professional groups, civil society, and community figures. The president’s statement cast these actors not as spectators but as stakeholders expected to help maintain a climate of calm, dialogue and social discipline.
Religion, social values and the principle of laïcité
Addressing religion’s place in Congolese society, the president recognized its contribution to promoting peace, love of neighbor and tolerance, while reaffirming the secular character of the state. He cited teachings of Christianity and Islam, presented as the country’s main religions, as reference points supporting cohesion (ACI).
The formulation balanced two ideas: valuing faith-based moral messages and preserving a neutral state framework. In practical terms, it situates religious leaders as partners in reinforcing social values, while insisting that public authority remains anchored in laïcité for all citizens, whatever their beliefs.
Political actors urged to choose 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 these as essential pillars for a supportive and stable society, especially as public debate intensifies around elections (ACI).
The emphasis on listening and civil conduct pointed to an expectation that disagreements remain managed within respectful boundaries. By linking these behaviors to stability, the message implicitly treats rhetoric and street-level 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 broadened his appeal to the full spectrum of national components: political and administrative leaders, religious and customary authorities, as well as women and young people. He encouraged them to promote the values in the national motto, “Unity–Work–Progress” (ACI).
He closed by wishing Congolese citizens a happy New Year 2026. The sequence of themes—peace, respect for diversity, laïcité, and civic dialogue—positioned the motto as a practical guide for daily conduct and collective responsibility during an important electoral year.