Journée nationale de la République in Congo
Congo’s Republic Day is observed on November 28 to commemorate the proclamation of the Republic of the Congo in 1958. The date marks the beginning of the country’s autonomous republican status, before independence followed in 1960.[1][2]
A fixed national holiday
Law No. 18-2010 established November 28 as the annual Journée de la République. It makes the day a paid, non-working public holiday throughout the country and says that wages and other compensation are not reduced because of it.[1]
The law sets the date as November 28 each year. The 2010 official gazette also records a separate, one-time order making November 29, 2010 a non-working paid day for festivities; that order does not establish a recurring replacement date.[1]
The 1958 proclamation
On November 28, 1958, the territorial assembly of Moyen-Congo adopted a resolution declaring that the autonomous state would take the name Republic. A speech published by the Ministry of Civil Service, Labor and Social Security links the proclamation to the territory’s autonomy following the September 1958 referendum.[2]
Republic Day commemorates this step toward self-government, rather than the later achievement of full sovereignty. The Republic of the Congo became independent on August 15, 1960, a date marked separately as the country’s national holiday.[1][3]
How the day is marked
The holiday’s civic meaning is reflected in official messages that focus on the Republic’s institutions and symbols. In a 2021 address, the prime minister called on people to display the national colors at home and on cars and buses.[2]
Official celebrations have also included national political events. The Presidency reported that in 2023 the Republic Day celebration was paired with the president’s address on the state of the nation to Parliament assembled in congress, a format announced the previous year.[3]
What to expect
Because the law makes November 28 a non-working public holiday nationwide, residents should expect ordinary work schedules to be affected. Check directly with banks, shops, schools or transport providers for their hours.[1]
The official gazette’s one-time 2010 order required staffing for essential services, including food shops, public transport, hotels, restaurants, health services and utilities on the additional day it declared non-working.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Journée nationale de la République?
It is observed every year on November 28.[1]
Is Republic Day a day off?
Yes. The law declares November 28 a paid, non-working public holiday throughout the Republic of the Congo.[1]
Is there a substitute day when November 28 falls on a weekend?
The law establishes November 28 as the annual date; a separate 2010 order added a one-time non-working day for that year’s festivities.[1]
Will banks, shops and transport services be open?
The law declares November 28 a paid, non-working public holiday. Check with banks, shops and transport providers for their schedules.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Journée nationale de la République in Congo - Brazzaville:
- 52e ANNEE - N° 48- Journal officiel de la République du Congo
- Discours d'évocation du Premier ministre, Anatole Collinet Makosso- Ministère de la Fonction Publique, du Travail et de la Sécurité Sociale
- Congo : la République fête ses 65 ans, ce 28 novembre- Présidence de la République du Congo