Before the 1997 war, the Congolese system of government was similar to that of the French. However, after taking power, Sassou suspended the Constitution approved in 1992 upon which this system was based. The new Constitution provides for a 7-year presidential term. There is a parliament of two houses, whose members serve for 5 years.

The Congo maintains an embassy in the United States at 4891 Colorado Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20011 (tel: 202-726-5500). The Congolese Mission to the United Nations is at 14 East 65th Street, New York, NY 10021 (tel: 212-744-7840).