A billboard in Brazzaville on October. 24, 2015, in support of controversial referendum allowing the longtime Congolese president to seek a third term.
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A Congo Republic opposition leader said late on Thursday that forces from leader Denis Sassou Nguesso’s presidential guard were surrounding his house, detaining him and three allies opposed to a vote on extending term limits. There was no information on turnout in other parts of the country.
Sassou Nguesso appeared confident of victory when he voted and said he regretted that the opposition had called for a boycott. “My side will win because I know that our people love peace”, he said.
Dozens of residents moved from southern neighbourhoods of Brazzaville to other areas on Saturday to avoid possible conflict, although several said they were anxious they would not be able to vote as a result. A few people held up signs with the word “No” in protest at the vote.
Analysts have warned of further violence in the country, which is rich in oil.
Nguesso has ruled for 31 of the past 36 years.
Security forces have continued to fire warning shots and tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters, and four opposition supporters are reportedly killed in the violence.
The United Nations chief in the statement also called on the authorities in the Republic of Congo to safeguard the right to peaceful demonstration. “But now if people don’t want to vote, and like we said if they don’t want to come…those who want to come will come”, said one man.
Congo’s 2002 Constitution prevents presidents from serving more than two consecutive seven-year terms, and prohibits those over 70 from running.
The legal changes offer a challenge for Western governments – they can endorse veteran leaders or press for term limits.
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He went into opposition in 1992 after losing multi-party elections but returned to power at the end of a brief but bloody civil war in 1997 in which his rebel forces ousted president Pascal Lissouba.
