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BRAZZAVILLE. — The president of the Congo Republic has called for a national dialogue, one subject of which would be potential constitutional changes that would allow him to stand next year for a third term. President Denis Sassou Nguesso (71) has not yet said if he plans to seek another seven-year term. Congo’s 2002 constitution limits the president to two terms in office and excludes candidates over 70 years of age.

However, Sassou Nguesso has already said he expects a referendum to decide on whether the nation’s charter should be revised. Opposition figures have criticised what they say is a bid to extend his rule.

“Dialogue in our country, in our traditions, I allow myself to remind you, brings progress, mutual understanding and calm,” the president said in a televised address late on Tuesday. Around 400 representatives from the political class, trade unions, civil society, ex-combatants, and traditional and religious authorities will be convoked for the July 11 to 14 conference. In preparation, Sassou Nguesso announced the creation of a committee of experts charged with looking at the organisation of the elections and the future of the nation’s institutions. — Reuters.