As honoured guest at the swearing-in of Congolese President, H.E. Denis Sassou Nguesso in Brazzaville on Thursday, His Excellency President Adama Barrow’s presence affirmed The Gambia’s commitment to stronger relationships with fellow African leaders and to democratic processes, including free and fair elections.
Crowds of Congolese lined the routes to Stade de l’Unité to celebrate the inauguration of President-Elect H.E. Denis Sassou Nguesso for another term as Head of State of the Republic of Congo.
The green landscape with palm trees, music, a mosaic of cultural rhythms, colourful attire, artistic displays of dancing, and cheerful crowds set the scene for a solemn ceremony at Stade de l’Unité.
It was a bright day with patches of clouds on Thursday, and Brazzaville became the converging point for many African Heads of State and delegations, all honoured guests of President Denis Sassou Nguesso.
The solemn ceremony, marked by the taking of the oath of office, signaled a new mandate of leadership for a country with a population of over five million and a public acknowledgment of the responsibility to enhance the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.
The turnout at the Unity Stadium is a symbolic representation of the 94.90 % trust and optimistic about the progress and prosperity Nguesso’s leadership could offer to a country endowed with natural resources and a youthful population.
Affirming his commitment, President Nguesso swore to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of Congo, accelerate the development process, and called on the youth to undertake creative initiatives and maximise the opportunities technology provides.
Later in the afternoon, President Barrow joined other leaders at a special inauguration banquet.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Honourable Sering Modou, Chief of Staff Alieu Loum, and a Gambian delegation accompanied President Barrow to Congo.
Upon arrival on Wednesday evening, Gambians living in Brazzaville welcomed them.
President Barrow also held a meeting with a delegation of Gambians, before his departure on Friday morning.
