Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso is throwing his full political weight behind Firmin Edouard Matoko, Congo-Brazzaville’s candidate for the top post at UNESCO, in what observers describe as a “last chance” diplomatic push to secure a major international position for his government.
According to sources in Brazzaville, the presidency has mobilised substantial political and financial resources to support Matoko’s bid, including the hiring of a U.S.-based communications and lobbying firm to manage his international campaign. The firm is reportedly tasked with boosting Matoko’s visibility across UNESCO’s 194 member states and countering strong competition from other African and European candidates.
Matoko, who has served within UNESCO for over two decades and is currently Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations, is seen as an experienced insider. Yet, his candidacy comes at a time when Congo’s diplomatic influence has waned amid concerns over governance and human rights under Sassou-Nguesso’s long rule.
“The president views Matoko’s campaign as a matter of national prestige,” said a diplomatic source familiar with the effort. “After years of relative isolation, Brazzaville wants to show it can still play on the global stage.”
The move is also viewed as part of Sassou-Nguesso’s broader strategy to reassert Congo’s presence within multilateral institutions. However, some observers believe the campaign faces an uphill battle, given growing calls within UNESCO for leadership renewal and geographical balance.
With elections for the post expected in 2026, Brazzaville’s diplomatic machinery is now working overtime — reaching out to African Union member states and key partners in Europe and Asia. For Sassou-Nguesso, who has led Congo for nearly four decades, the race is as much about legacy as leverage.
“Winning the UNESCO seat would be a symbolic victory,” said one regional analyst. “But failure could underline Congo’s diminishing clout in global affairs — making this truly Sassou-Nguesso’s last chance saloon.”
