Republic of the Congo

RoC is the third largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, with 60% of its 6-million population under 25 nearly half of citizens living in poverty; the price of basics and pharmaceuticals keeps rising so people turn to cheaper unregulated options

Provisional results declared Sassou Nguesso re-elected to a fifth term with 95% of the vote, on a reported turnout of 85%; the figure was notably in contrast to eye witness observations of short queues at polling stations in the capital Brazzaville

During presidential election, civil organizations set up large-scale cultural carnival in Brazzaville to support the ecological vision and the values ​​of peace and sustainable development championed by candidate Denis Sassou Nguesso in power since 1997

Preparing for elections on 15 March, Congolese law enforcement will maintain a heightened presence, strict posture, blockades and road closures expecting significant public movement during voting hours; President Nguesso, 82, is seeking a 5th term

In Brazzaville, a new business is reshaping the local economy: parking lots on plots of land, cultivated or uncultivated; in underserved neighborhoods landowners transform their properties into paid parking spaces, charging affordable rates for drivers

With two months to go to presidential election, Congo-Brazzaville is urged to remain calm and promote serenity though, as voting approaches, the political climate is warming, positions are hardening, and passions are being expressed with vigor

9th edition of the Plant Fair, held in a particularly difficult economic climate, resulted in the planting of nearly 169 hectares of fruit trees: with a sales rate of 21,19% achieved, the safou tree surpassed the avocado and mango trees

To raise students' awareness of the ancestral heritage of the country, the National Museum held a workshop at the Marien Ngouabi University in Brazzaville, showcasing cultural artifacts under the theme "The National Museum Meets its University Audience"

The African Institute for Multidisciplinary Applied Research awarded Congolese financial expert and writer Armel Silvère Dongou an honorary doctorate at a ceremony held in Dakar, Senegal

Import of machetes and motorcycles has been banned in the country in a bid to curb incursions of armed groups in rural areas

In Brazzaville and four other locations across the country, 645 candidates, mostly science baccalaureate holders, have been applying since September 24 for a place at the National Training Center for Statistics, Demography and Planning

Norinco, China North Industries Corporation, and Nigerian SecPro Africa have been entrusted for the equipping of Congo's land armed forces and its Republican Guard