Introduction
On 11th May 2025, in Brazzaville, armed and masked individuals abducted Lassy Mbouity, the leader of the opposition party, The Congolese Socialists, and a candidate for the March 2026 presidential election, during a raid at his home. On 20th May 2025, Mbouity was discovered injured near Poto-Poto in Brazzaville, having been tortured and abandoned by the masked men. The motive behind Mbouity’s abduction remains unclear. However, Martial Mbourangon Pa’nucci, the spokesperson for the Congolese Socialists party, accused the current regime of orchestrating the abduction. On 22nd May 2025, the Consortium of Associations for the Promotion of Democratic Governance and the Rule of Law (Capged) at a press conference in Brazzaville, condemned the incident in what it described as the “culpable indifference shown by the competent authorities”.
As the March 2026 elections in the Republic of Congo draw near, the FIDH reports escalating tensions and violations of civic space. They emphasise the case of opposition leader Lassy Mbouity, who was abducted and later found in a critical condition, urging an investigation. The FIDH observes an increase in repressive measures against dissenting voices, such as bans on public demonstrations, denial of accreditation for independent observers, hurdles in registering civil society organisations, and limited media access for opposition parties. These violations raise concerns about the erosion of democratic spaces and fundamental freedoms, potentially leading to renewed violence during the pre-electoral period.
As detailed in the December 2024 annual report by the Centre d’actions pour le développement, civic space in Congo-Brazzaville has markedly deteriorated, with a 190% surge in related incidents compared to the previous year. This crackdown has been evident in the suppression of fundamental freedoms, such as expression, peaceful assembly, and association, all of which are constitutionally protected. Authorities have frequently resorted to excessive force, coupled with increased intimidation tactics and arbitrary arrests to stifle dissent. Activists and peaceful demonstrators have faced aggression, with some detained for days. This trend of curtailing civil liberties has heightened existing concerns, particularly as the presidential election approaches.
ASSOCIATION & ASSEMBLY
Lawyer Bob Kaben Massouka arrested in Brazzaville
On 9th July 2025 in Brazzaville, agents from the Central Intelligence and Documentation Service (CID) arrested and detained Lawyer Bob Kaben Massouka during a raid at his residence. Although no official reason for the arrest has been disclosed, it is believed that Massouka had been supporting a group of young activists planning a peaceful protest against the country’s deteriorating socioeconomic conditions. Massouka’s arrest swiftly led to a strike, with the bar association president, Me Brigitte Nzingoula, convening an extraordinary general meeting at the Court of Law to demand Massouka's release. After approximately two weeks in custody, on 22nd July 2025 André Gakala-Oko, the public prosecutor of the Court of First Instance in Brazzaville, transferred Massouka, along with six other individuals, to the Brazilian Central Prison on charges of criminal conspiracy and attempted breach of the state’s internal security. The public prosecutor stated that the six individuals were linked to the planned public protest, which Massouka, along with others, was accused of supporting. According to the public prosecutor, the six individuals allegedly planned a joint action titled “Call for Mobilisation to Support the Liberation of Congo, on 10th July 2025”, which was circulated on social media.
Expression
Journalist Rosie Pioth threatened with death
On 18th July 2025 unidentified individuals threatened with death via text messages Journalist Rosie Pioth, correspondent to France 24 and director of the Fact Checking Congo, following her 17th July article on the 1982 Maya-Maya International Airport bombing anniversary in Brazzaville, highlighting the ongoing demands for justice and the erasure of the event from public memory. Threatening messages, including one sent to her husband, warned her to cease reporting on the bombing. Pioth has gone into hiding. The Journalist and Ethics Congo (JEC) condemned the ongoing threats against Rosie Pioth and urged her protection, while the Minister of Communication reportedly advised her to file a complaint.
PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY
Prefect bans peaceful public rally
On 7th February 2025, Pierre Cébert Ibocko-Onanga, prefect of Brazzaville, banned a peaceful public rally, known as the “Patriarch’s” rally, organised by Digne Elvis Tsalissan Okombi, President of the l’Union pour un Mouvement Populaire (UMP), and dedicated to President Denis Sassou N’Guesso. Prefect Ibocko-Onanga expressed concerns over peace and security, as two events - a rally organised by an association and an indoor gathering by a coalition of political parties - were both scheduled for the same date. Initially planned for 5th February to coincide with the anniversary of Sassou N’Guesso’s first assumption of office, the rally was postponed to 9th February to avoid a scheduling conflict with the Congolese Labour Party’s event. The prohibition was communicated abruptly during the final stages of preparation.