List of heads of state of the Republic of the Congo

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Denis Sassou-Nguesso, current President of the Republic of the Congo

This article reproduces the heads of state of the Republic of the Congo since independence in 1960. The country is also known as Congo-Brazzaville after its capital and was called the People's Republic of the Congo from 1969 to 1992.

Surname Beginning of the term of office Term expires comment
Fulbert Youlou August 15, 1960 15th August 1963 first president of the country; toppled by a coup
Alphonse Massemba-Débat 15th August 1963 4th September 1968 came to power through a coup, he was driven out by one
Alfred Raoul 5th September 1968 December 31, 1968 headed a transitional government as prime minister of a military junta
Mary Ngouabi 1st January 1969 March 18, 1977 converted the country into a one-party state, was killed in an attempted coup
Joachim Yhombi-Opango March 18, 1977 5th February 1979 followed his cousin Ngouabi; had to resign after internal party disputes
Denis Sassou-Nguesso 5th February 1979 August 31, 1992 forced his predecessor to resign; was voted out in the first free elections
Pascal Lissouba August 31, 1992 October 15, 1997 first democratically elected president; was overthrown in a civil war
Denis Sassou-Nguesso October 25, 1997 officiating came back to power during the civil war and has ruled the country authoritarian ever since