Tensions still high as gun battles rock Brazzaville

Tensions are still running high in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo following exchange of gunfire on Monday Morning between security forces and attackers identified by the government as former militia “Ninjas.”

These attacks have caused panic among the population. During the day, thousands of people fled the capital where the military operations continued into the evening according to a military source quoted by AFP.

Gunmen attack military barracks in Congo-Brazaville https://t.co/ag8QpBgL1Q pic.twitter.com/LrqFjiN5Y8

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“We got up at 2 am to sporadic shots coming in all directions, of the Djoué and other neighborhoods. We noticed their (ninjas) presence in the neighborhoods, especially in the streets with a number of armed compatriots,” a resident fleeing from the area said.

Despite an assurance from the government spokesman, Thierry Moungalla, who believes that the situation is under control, fear remains high.

“We were told to go to the free area before it’s too late. It is like we are orphans, like immigrants . We’re going nowhere. We do not even know where to go,” said Léonidas Motom, also a resident of Bacongo.

These attacks come just days days after the announcement of final results of presidential elections on 20 March which gave victory to President Denis Sassou Nguesso.

Opposition candidates say the March vote was a fraud and have called for a campaign of civil disobedience. A general strike last week held in southern Brazzaville but was ignored in the north of the city, where Sassou Nguesso is popular.

AFP