BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo (AP) — The president of the Republic of Congo has reshuffled his government and replaced two ministers who opposed a constitutional reform that would allow him to run for another term in office.

The government announced the reshuffle late Monday, including the replacement of Trade Minister Claudine Munari and Public Service Minister Brice Parfait Kolelas.

President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, 71, has led the country in two separate periods totaling more than 30 years. In July he held a dialogue suggesting that the country raise the 70-year-old age limit and drop the two-term limit for presidential candidates.

Sassou-Nguesso first ruled the country of some 4 million people from 1979 until a 1992 election defeat, and seized power again in 1997 with help from Angolan troops. The country is often overshadowed by neighboring Congo.