[20190903]IF11301_刚果共和国（刚果-布拉柴维尔）.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov September 3, 2019The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)The Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville (after its capital), is an oil-rich former French colony in central Africa. It has extensive natural resources, but poor governance and civil conflict have long hindered poverty alleviation and development. Heavily reliant on oil exports, the country is struggling to emerge from an economic crisis precipitated by the collapse of global oil prices in 2014. The price shock sent Congo into a deep recession in 2016-2017; it remains in severe debt distress. President Denis Sassou Nguesso (“SAH-soo n-GAY-soh”), age 75, is one of Africas longest-serving leaders. He has led Congo since 1979, aside from a five-year hiatus during a civil war in the 1990s. U.S. engagement has been limited, with U.S. policy interests focused on Congos role in regional stability and maritime security, energy resources and investment potential, and participation in U.S.-backed forest and wildlife conservation projects. U.S.-Congo ties have come under strain periodically due to U.S. concerns with undemocratic and corrupt governance. Historical Background Congo gained ind