Adventures of a Retired Traveller reports on the election of President Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo as Chair of the AU….Sassou-Nguesso has faced criticism during his time in power, which ranged from 1979-1992, and again since 1997, when he seized power in a military coup. Remnants of his militia, known as the Ninjas, are still causing problems in parts of the Republic of Congo.”