Title: Jean-Félix Demba Ntelo, new president of the Federation of the Congolese Opposition (FOC): towards a rebuilding of the opposition in Congo-Brazzaville
Introduction :
In Congo-Brazzaville, the Federation of the Congolese Opposition (FOC) elected Jean-Félix Demba Ntelo as new president during its last congress. Succeeding Clément Miérassa, Demba Ntelo intends to rebuild the opposition and work for democratic change in the country, which has been blocked for more than 25 years. In this article, we will explore the ambitions and perspectives of this new leader of the Congolese opposition.
Jean-Félix Demba Ntelo, a leader committed to democratic change:
Aged 74, Jean-Félix Demba Ntelo is a former leader of the Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko Component, an unsuccessful candidate in the 2016 presidential election who is currently imprisoned for endangering state security. With his election to the presidency of the FOC, Demba Ntelo clearly shows his determination to continue the fight for democratic change in Congo-Brazzaville.
Rebuilding the Congolese opposition:
When he took office, Jean-Félix Demba Ntelo emphasized the need to rebuild the Congolese opposition. He wishes to establish the movement across the national territory and establish a real dynamic of combat for political change. Faced with a dictatorship in place for more than 25 years, Demba Ntelo advocates dialogue, but excludes any form of allegiance and compromise. He thus intends to bring a new vision and a new lease of life to the Congolese opposition.
The release of imprisoned leaders, a priority:
Among Jean-Félix Demba Ntelo’s concerns is the release of imprisoned political leaders. Indeed, since 2018, two important opposition figures, Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and André Okombi Salissa, have been serving a 20-year prison sentence. Demba Ntelo considers that their incarceration is indicative of the functioning of a dictatorial regime which represses the opposition. He pleads for their release so that they can join the fight for political change in Congo-Brazzaville.
Electoral prospects and future of the opposition:
While the next presidential elections will take place in 2026 in Congo-Brazzaville, the question arises as to whether the Congolese Opposition Federation will present candidates. Currently, the opposition has no elected representatives in the National Assembly or the Senate. It therefore remains to be seen what political strategy will be put in place by Jean-Félix Demba Ntelo and the FOC to confront the power in place and mobilize voters in favor of political change.
Conclusion :
With the election of Jean-Félix Demba Ntelo as president of the Federation of the Congolese Opposition, the Congolese opposition hopes to breathe new life and rebuild its forces in order to fight for democratic change.. The release of imprisoned leaders and the mobilization of voters will be major issues for this political movement which seeks to put an end to a dictatorship in place for more than 25 years. The next few years will be decisive for the Congolese opposition and will determine the political future of the country.