Sassau-Nguesso, Denis (1943– )

Congolese socialist politician, president 1979–92 and from 1997, and chair of the African Union 2006–08. He progressively consolidated his position within the ruling left-wing Congolese Labour Party (PCT), at the same time as improving relations with France and the USA. In 1990, in response to public pressure, he agreed that the PCT should abandon Marxism-Leninism and that a multiparty system should be introduced. He returned to power in November 1997.