Brazzaville Senate New Year vows ceremony
At the New Year vows ceremony held at the Senate on January 8, Senate President Pierre Ngolo addressed senators with a clear message: rise above the moment and stay focused on the path set at the start of the current fourth legislature.
He said the recent period had tested senators’ patriotism, maturity, lucidity and sense of responsibility. In his view, the institution’s credibility depends on its ability to remain steady, serve the nation, and keep its role as a chamber of moderation.
Economic pressures and the fight against disinformation
Pierre Ngolo linked the Senate’s work to the daily difficulties faced by the country, describing an austere economic and financial climate that has weighed on the national environment. He added that manipulation, disinformation and “intox” had complicated the atmosphere further.
According to him, this combination created conditions that could have undermined morale and reduced senators’ motivation. Yet he insisted the Senate held its course, crediting what he called senators’ strength of character and resilience.
Keeping the Senate’s course in the fourth legislature
Pierre Ngolo said the Senate should take lessons from its journey and look forward with “height of view.” He framed this as a practical approach: stepping back from tensions to make better decisions and keep the institution aligned with its mandate.
He also argued that determination, responsibility and confidence are essential to strengthening the Senate’s prestige. He noted that the institution has gained a certain standing in public opinion and that this “credit,” as he called it, should be protected and reinforced.
Internal performance, ethics and Senate discipline
The Senate President urged an objective review of how the institution is organized and how it functions. He called for careful self-examination to identify and stop anything likely to erode trust and complicity among senators, which can affect expected performance.
He recalled the Senate’s vocation as a moderator and adviser to the nation, insisting it must become a reference through both action and ethics. In his words, 2026 should be marked by deeper engagement, extra effort and firmer discipline to reach efficiency and excellence.
March presidential election: a call for peace
Looking ahead to the presidential election scheduled for March, Pierre Ngolo described it as a major democratic appointment that must take place in peace. He addressed political actors and competitors with a reminder about the rules of democratic contest.
He said that in any election the only “weapon” should be argument: presenting a project, explaining intentions, and seeking broad support. For him, the people’s right to choose must never be used as a pretext for public disorder or for questioning peace.
He urged everyone to make preserving and consolidating peace a shared guiding principle. He also reminded senators that their role requires them to wear the “jacket” of moderators and advisers, and to avoid any behavior that could inflame tensions.
2025 activity report and a message of confidence
During the same ceremony, the Senate’s First Questure, Andréa Carole Sassou N’Guesso, presented a brief look back at the past year. She said 2025 was marked by intense parliamentary activity, even though a financial crisis limited what the institution could do.
Turning to the new year, she expressed confidence in Pierre Ngolo’s guidance and “high wisdom” to help the Senate face major challenges with serenity, responsibility and determination. She said his vision would remain a key reference for turning challenges into opportunities for progress.
She also reaffirmed the senators’ commitment to support their president in what she described as heavy and delicate duties, emphasizing continuity in the Senate’s work and loyalty to the institution’s mission as the country moves into an important electoral period.
