Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso reappointed Anatole Collinet Makosso as the country’s prime minister, according to a decree on Thursday.

The move came days after Makosso and his Cabinet resigned as part of a routine constitutional procedure following Nguesso’s re-election and inauguration.

Makosso is expected to submit the list of his new government team to the president as soon as possible.

The reappointment came days after the swearing in of Nguesso for a fifth term in office following his re-election in the March 15 polls.

Makosso was first appointed prime minister in May 2021.

‘Pragmatic leadership’

Analysts say his reappointment signals political continuity and appears to be in recognition of his pragmatic leadership capable of combining political vision with administrative efficiency.

Local media said Makosso has previously spearheaded structural reforms and played a key role in the revival of the national economy, which could have interested the appointing authority.

Home to roughly 6 million people, the Republic of Congo is one of Africa’s major oil producers.

The country’s economy heavily depends on oil, which accounts for about 80% of its export revenues, according to the World Bank.

Nguesso has promised to focus his new term on revitalising the national economy through mechanized farming and industry in a bid to create jobs, particularly for the youth.