Republic of Congo opposition candidate Guy-Brice Parfait Kolelas died of COVID-19 as he was being transferred to France for treatment, his campaign director said on Monday, the day after presidential elections in which he was the main challenger.
Kolelas “died in the medical aircraft which came to get him from Brazzaville on Sunday afternoon,” said Christian Cyr Rodrigue Mayanda.
He first tested positive for COVI-19 on Friday and fell seriously ill. He spent election day in hospital.
In a video that circulated on social media, 61-year-old Kolelas, who was diabetic, could be seen briefly removing an oxygen mask to tell his supporters that he is “fighting death”.
Kolelas, the son of former Prime Minister Bernard Kolelas, came second in the 2016 presidential election. He was seen as the main challenger to President Denis Sassou Nguesso who is seeking to extend his 36-year rule in Congo. (AFP)
