Brazzaville:Congo marked its 56th Independence anniversary on Monday in colourful celebrations

The United States of America has extended anniversary felicitations to the Republic of Congo as the country marked its 56th Independence anniversary on Monday.

A statement from the United States (US) department of state read, ‘‘On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I send best wishes to the people of the Republic of Congo as you celebrate your 56th Independence Day on August 15.’‘

The US emphasized its continued partnership with Congo in defense of regional security, environmental protection, and the health and happiness of all Congolese.

Adding further that, they looked ‘‘forward to continued partnership to help build a more secure, democratic, and prosperous future for Congo in the year ahead.’‘

The anniversary parade was well attended by heads of state largely from francophone Africa. Among others Ivorian speaker of parliament Guillaume Soro, Benin president Patrice Talon, Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea and Alpha Conde of Guinea were all present.

The country currently ruled by Denis Sassou Nguesso got their independence from France in 1960. Its first president was Fulbert Youlou. The country has had a difficult past mired by violent wars.

It returned to multi party democracy in the early 1990s. The Congolese Labour Party led by incumbent Sassou Nguesso have dominated the political landscape since then. The party won the recent elections by over 60% of votes cast.

African News