Politics

Akufo-Addo leads AU election observation mission to Congo

Former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been appointed by the African Union (AU) to lead its Election Observation Mission to the Republic of the Congo. This comes ahead of the country’s upcoming presidential elections.

The presidential election in the Central African nation is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the former president on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Akufo-Addo will head the AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), which will monitor the electoral process and assess its credibility.

“The African Union (AU) has appointed Ghana’s former President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to lead its Elections Observation Mission in the Republic of Congo next week,” the statement said.

The mission will be made up of representatives from several AU institutions and partner bodies, including members of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee, the Pan-African Parliament, the African Governance Platform, election management bodies, as well as independent election experts.

Civil society organisations and representatives of women and youth groups will also be part of the delegation tasked with observing the electoral process.

Akufo-Addo is expected to depart Accra on Friday, March 13, 2026, to begin the assignment and will return to Ghana on March 18, 2026.

The AU Election Observation Mission forms part of the continental body’s efforts to support transparent, credible and democratic elections across member states.

The statement was signed by the Office of the former president.

The 2026 election in the Republic of the Congo is expected to generate a predictable outcome as President Denis Sassou-Nguesso seeks to perpetuate his 41-year hold on power in Africa’s third-largest oil-exporting country. The 82-year-old Sassou-Nguesso is Africa’s third-longest serving leader.
Sassou-Nguesso extended his rule in this Central African country of 6 million people by sidestepping age- and term-limit restrictions in 2015, enabling him to contest his fifth consecutive presidential term in 2026. There was a 5-year interregnum in Sassou-Nguesso’s rule from 1992 to 1997, when the Congo’s multiparty era was introduced.

Congolese law enforcement is expected to maintain a heightened presence and strict posture against significant public movement during voting hours, with blockades and road closures in place. Vehicle travel will be allowed only for those specific vehicles with advance special authorization given by Congolese law enforcement.

Most businesses, including restaurants and grocery stores, are likely to be closed. The Government of the Republic of the Congo has announced that it will close its borders on March 15 from 0600-1800 which could result in travel delays or cancellations. The Congolese Government may also limit internet access during this period, which will make some communication methods more difficult. U.S. Government personnel have been directed to stay at home on March 15. We will send out updated security alerts if the situation changes.