We are proud to announce that Andrea Ngombet, founder of the Sassoufit Collective and tireless advocate for democracy in the Republic of the Congo, has been selected to join the 2025 McCain Global Leaders cohort. This prestigious international fellowship recognizes emerging leaders who work to advance democracy, human rights, and freedom worldwide.

Andrea becomes the first Congolese citizen to be selected for this program, a historic milestone not only for him but also for all those fighting for justice and dignity in the Congo-Brazzaville region.

The McCain Global Leaders Program, run by the McCain Institute at Arizona State University, brings together 25 leaders from across the globe for a year of intensive leadership development, global networking, and advocacy. The 2025 theme—« Advancing Democracy and Human Rights »—resonates deeply with Andrea’s lifelong mission.

Andrea’s journey to this achievement has been marked by integrity and courage. As a Reagan-Fascell Fellow, a Stanford Draper Hills Fellow, and a finalist for the 2025 Allard Prize for International Integrity, he has consistently challenged kleptocracy and impunity in his home country. Through the Sassoufit Collective, he has led groundbreaking work on transparency, political advocacy, and grassroots mobilization.

« This opportunity is more than a personal honor, » Andrea said. « It is a recognition of the Congolese people’s aspiration for democracy and human dignity. I carry with me their voices, their hopes, and their daily struggles. »

Andrea’s participation in this global fellowship underscores the growing strength of Congo’s civic movement and solidifies its fight for democracy on the international stage.