**Denis Sassou Nguesso’s March 2026 re-election with 94.9% of the vote and April inauguration for a five-year term under the 2015 constitution have anchored trader expectations that he will remain in office through the end of 2026.** The 82-year-old incumbent, who has ruled since 1997 (with an earlier stint from 1979–1992), faced only minor challengers after major opposition figures were sidelined and turnout was officially reported above 84%. This latest mandate is widely viewed as his final one due to term limits, yet it extends well beyond December 2026 with no scheduled election or constitutional trigger for early departure. Recent developments, including ongoing diplomatic travel, cabinet adjustments, and security cooperation with Russian forces, show an active executive with consolidated control. While health or elite succession dynamics could theoretically shift the picture, the absence of credible near-term removal mechanisms or credible challenges supports the strong market consensus against his exit by year-end.