Congolese 'dinosaur' to stay on despite age debate after decades in power

The former paratrooper was president of Congo-Brazzaville from 1979 to 1992 under a single-party regime, then returned to office in 1997 after a civil war and has dominated politics ever since.

Dubbed the "emperor", Sassou Nguesso, who is officially 80 and remains fit, is widely expected to run for a fifth term in 2026. AFP photos