The presidential campaign in Congo-Brazzaville officially began on Saturday, setting the stage for 82-year-old President Denis Sassou Nguesso to pursue another term in office.

Sassou Nguesso, a former military officer, first ruled the country under a one-party system from 1979 until 1992, before losing the first multi-party elections to ex-Prime Minister Pascal Lissouba. He returned to power in 1997 following a civil war that ousted Lissouba.

Earlier this month, the veteran leader confirmed he would run for another five-year term, which, according to the current constitution, is expected to be his final one. Campaigning began in the economic hub of Pointe-Noire and will continue until March 13, ahead of the first round of voting scheduled for March 15.

Six opposition figures have declared their candidacy, including 34-year-old newcomer Destin Gavin of the Republican Movement (MR). However, analysts note that the opposition is fragmented and faces an uphill battle against Sassou Nguesso, whose party promises widespread support for the longtime president.

Sassou Nguesso is among Africa’s longest-serving leaders, alongside Cameroon’s Paul Biya and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Past constitutional amendments removed the age limit and extended term limits, allowing him to contest and win previous elections in 2016 and 2021.

Congo-Brazzaville, a country with substantial oil resources, continues to struggle with poverty, with nearly half of its six million citizens living below the poverty line. Opposition leaders have consistently challenged Sassou Nguesso’s victories since 2002, and some, including Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and Andre Okombi Salissa, remain imprisoned following disputed elections.

Despite criticism over political freedoms and civil liberties, Sassou Nguesso is credited with restoring a measure of stability to a nation and region long affected by conflict.