Congo-Brazzaville (a Central African republic ruled for decades by President Denis Sassou Nguesso) held its first cabinet meeting of a new 41-member government on 6 May, marking the start of what the constitution designates as Sassou Nguesso's final term following his victory in March elections. Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso was reappointed to lead the government, and only six ministers from the previous administration were dropped while eleven newcomers joined, leaving the cabinet largely dominated by long-serving loyalists. Observers and opposition figures have criticised the oversized, largely unchanged lineup as a missed opportunity to reduce the cost of government, though President Sassou Nguesso has tasked the new team with immediately advancing his flagship "acceleration toward development" programme.