The Republic of Congo’s government has resigned, public television announced yesterday, a procedural move three weeks after the central African nation’s veteran leader began a new term as president.
According to the statement read out on television, Prime Minister Clement Mouamba submitted his government’s resignation to President Denis Sassou Nguesso on Wednesday.
Read Also: Jubilation As DR Congo Announces End To Ebola Outbreak
The outgoing team will continue in its tasks until Sassou Nguesso names a new premier. He has not yet announced when he will do so.
Sassou Nguesso was sworn in for a new five-year term as president on April 16.
Mouamba, a 77-year-old former finance minister and senior executive of the six-nation Bank of Central African States (BEAC), has been prime minister since 2016.
One of the world’s longest-serving leaders, Sassou Nguesso has been in power for an accumulated 36 years, first taking the helm in 1979.
Critics accuse the former paratrooper of iron-fisted rule and turning a blind eye to poverty and inequality despite Congo’s oil wealth.
He was re-elected on March 21 with 88.4 percent of the vote, in his fourth successive win since 2002.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK