It’s time now for the Friday edition of The Discourse, here on Rise and Shine. This morning, we turn our attention to Central Africa, and specifically the Republic of Congo, which will mark its 66th Independence Day on Saturday.Congo gained independence from France in 1960. President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who first came to power in 1979, has dominated the country’s politics for more than four decades, with the exception of a five-year period. He has now begun another five-year term, with questions already emerging about the country’s future beyond 2031.To discuss Congo-Brazzaville’s independence journey, its political evolution and the challenges facing the country, we spoke to Nirvaly Mooloo, Research Officer for Central Africa and the Lake Chad Basin at the Institute for Security Studies

<p>It&rsquo;s time now for the Friday edition of The Discourse, here on Rise and Shine. This morning, we turn our attention to Central Africa, and specifically the Republic of Congo, which will mark its 66th Independence Day on Saturday.Congo gained independence from France in 1960. President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who first came to power in 1979, has dominated the country&rsquo;s politics for more than four decades, with the exception of a five-year period. He has now begun another five-year term, with questions already emerging about the country&rsquo;s future beyond 2031.To discuss Congo-Brazzaville&rsquo;s independence journey, its political evolution and the challenges facing the country, we spoke to Nirvaly Mooloo, Research Officer for Central Africa and the Lake Chad Basin at the Institute for Security Studies</p>