Country Profile
The Republic of the Congo also referred to as Congo and Congo Brazzaville is a country in Central Africa.
The Republic of the Congo is divided into 12 Departments. Departments are divided into communes and/or districts.
Capital Brazzaville
Currency Central African CFA Franc
Official Language French
Population 4 Million(2010 Estimate)
History
In 1908, France organized French Equatorial Africa (AEF), comprising Middle Congo,Gabon,Chad and Oubangui-Chari(now Central African Republic),Brazzaville was selected as the Federal Capital.
During the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II,Brazzaville functioned as the symbolic capital of Free France between 1940–1943
Following the revision of the French constitution that established the FIFTH REPUBLIC(is the 5th and current Republican Constitution of France Oct 04,1958 replacing the prior Parliamentary Govt with a Semi-Presidential System) the AEF was dissolved and its constituent parts reformed into autonomous colonies.
Middle Congo became known as the Republic of the Congo was granted full independence from France on August 15, 1960
Fulbert Youlou(in office from Aug 15,1960 - Aug 15,1963) was the country's 1st President until labour elements and rival political parties instigated a three-day uprising that ousted him
The Congolese military took charge of the country briefly and installed a Civilian Provisional Govt headed by Alphone Massamba-Debat under the 1963 constitution for a five-year term
Alphonse Massamba-Debat's regime ended abruptly with an August 1968 coup d'etat where Marien Ngouabi assumed Presidency on Dec 31,1968
On March 16, 1977, President Ngouabi was assassinated. An 11-member Military Committee of the Party (CMP) was named to head an interim government with Joachim Yhombi-Opango to serve as President of the Republic of Congo
Two years later, Yhombi-Opango was forced from power and Denis Sassou Nguesso become the new President of the Republic of Congo
Government
Congo Brazzaville is a Presidential Republic whereby the President is both Head of State and Govt. and of a pluriform multi-party system.
Executive Power is exercised by the government.
Legislative Power is vested in both the Govt. and the Bicameral Parliament
Parliament of Congo Brazzaville
A New Constitution adopted by Referendum in 2002 provides for a 7-year Presidential Term and a Bicameral National Parliament - The Senate(Upper House)with 66 Members elected for a six year term by district, local and regional councils and the National Assembly(Lower House) has 153 members, for a five year term in single-seat constituencies
The Republic of Congo is a One Party Dominant State with the Congolese Labour Party in Power and the opposition parties though allowed are considered to have no real chance of gaining power.
No comments:
Post a Comment