Congo-Brazzaville's economic recovery will be fragile

Significance

The bloc aims to deny President Denis Sassou Nguesso a fifth consecutive presidential term. Sassou Nguesso meanwhile is seeking to benefit from an economic turnaround to strengthen his political position.

Impacts

• Sassou Nguesso will seek to benefit from ‘green diplomacy’ to bolster his international legitimacy.
• Governance reforms may stall in the face of resistance from vested interests.
• Piracy off Congo's Atlantic coast will pose a security risk.