Congo-Brazzaville’s ruling party has named long-serving President Denis Sassou Nguesso as its candidate for elections due to be held in March.

Last year, more than 92% of voters in a referendum approved constitutional changes that allow President Denis Sassou Nguesso to run for a third term.

The opposition described that vote as a sham, and tens of thousands of people took part in peaceful demonstrations against the move.

Mr Nguesso is one of Africa’s longest-serving rulers, first coming to power in 1979 and ruling until 1992 when he lost elections. He returned as president in 1997 after a brief civil war and has since won two elections.