Republic of Congo Enabling Environment Snapshot

Period covered by this report : October 2025 -March 2026.

Since the end of 2025 and the start of 2026, the socio-political climate has become increasingly tense in the run-up to the March 2026 presidential election. This context is having a particularly adverse effect on the environment for civil society, with a considerable impact not only on access to rights and freedoms but also on the security situation in the country. Indeed, numerous accounts point to a growing tension, or even an unusually harsh tone on the part of the authorities, particularly the military, as the election date draws nearer. 

For example, the vitriolic speech by the Director-General of Presidential Security (DGSP) – General Serge OBOA – who, during a ceremony on 10 January 2026, made public threats against civil society, opposition parties and citizens, promising them severe and ruthless reprisals in the event of unauthorised demonstrations to contest the results of the presidential election, is evidence of a deterioration in the favourable environment. These remarks, condemned by civil society organisations, follow the operation to combat urban organised crime known as ‘zero kuluna’, launched, curiously, in September 2025, and which culminated on 11 January 2026 in armed clashes in the Pool department, near Brazzaville and reputed to be the stronghold of Pastor Ntoumi’s rebellion. This operation, of rare violence, has caused widespread fear amongst the population, given the number of public summary and extrajudicial executions of alleged offenders, as well as the abuses committed. 

Similarly, in January 2026, Mr Anatole LIMBOGO NGOKA, a declared candidate in the presidential election, was formally barred by the police from travelling within the department of Likouala, on the basis of a verbal instruction from the prefect of that department, Mr Jean Pascal KOUMBA, whilst he was conducting a pre-campaign in his home department. Yet, during the same period, and for months prior, supporters of the majority candidate have been campaigning in the departments without any ban or even restriction. This ban violated Article 22 of the Constitution of 6 November 2015, which guarantees the right of every citizen to move freely throughout the national territory. Consequently, the elections will be held in a context that raises serious concerns for rights and freedoms. This undermines the favourable environment for civil society during the electoral period and limits its ability to monitor the integrity of the process. 

Civil society remains a key actor in promoting transparency, human rights and democratic governance. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), social movements and community groups continue to defend justice, monitor public policies and encourage reforms, even in a restrictive environment. However, unequal treatment persists within the CSO community: CSOs aligned with the government’s priorities enjoy preferential access to consultations, whilst CSOs independent of the government are excluded from decision-making processes, which limits their influence on public policy.