Congo: President election opponent dies of COVID-19 on Election Day

Congolese war candidate Guy-Brice Parfait Kolelas died of COVID-19 on Sunday as the Republic of Congo voted in official elections.

2024-07-07 15:32:50

Congolese war candidate Guy-Brice Parfait Kolelas died of COVID-19 on Sunday as the Republic of Congo voted in official elections. "He died in the medical aircraft which came to get him from Brazzaville on Sunday afternoon," said his services director. Kolelas was being transferred to France for treatment. More News: It is possible to get back to thriving tourism industry in 2021: PM Roosevelt Skerrit He was the main rival of long-standing President Denis Sassou N'Guesso, who was seeking a new five-year term in Sunday's vote. "We will continue to add the tags. He was first in several places," Kolelas' operations manager said. 'Fighting death' Sunday's vote was cast into doubt when it was stated that the leading opposition candidate was in hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The central African country's constitution is stipulating that an election can be delayed if a candidate dies or is unable to participate in the vote. More News: Brazilian President allegedly asked Supreme Court to take back COVID restrictions After casting his ballot, Sassou N'Guesso said the government was aware of Guy Brice Parfait Kolelas’ illness and took the steps necessary to be transferred to France for further treatment. Aides confirmed the medical removal flight bringing Kolelas to a French hospital took off from Brazzaville on Sunday afternoon. A video circulating on social media dated Friday showed Kolelas -- one of six rivals to Sassou N'Guesso -- using an oxygen mask and with a blood pressure cuff on his arm as he lay in a hospital bed. Read: Italy adopts COVID-19 stimulus measures worth €32 billion “My dear compatriots, I am in trouble. I am going death,” the candidate says in a weak-sounding voice after killing his oxygen mask. “But, I ask you to be up and vote for money. I would not have fought for nothing.” A campaign spokesman confirmed the video as authentic. Two people at the hospital who had seen Kolelas' test confirmed to the AP late Saturday that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. The 61-year-old was diabetic and at higher risk of difficulties from COVID-19.

Monika Walker

Monika Walker is a senior journalist specializing in regional and international politics, offering in-depth analysis on governance, diplomacy, and key global developments. With a degree in International Journalism, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices through factual reporting. She also covers world news across every genre, providing readers with balanced and timely insights that connect the Caribbean to global conversations.