Humanitarian situation in Congo's Pool region

Congolese Prime minister, Clement Mouamba has chaired a humanitarian needs assessment meeting of government agencies focused on the renewed tensions in the Pool region in the south of the Republic of Congo.

During the meeting, it was estimated that at least 4,000 people were displaced within the Pool and in the neighboring department of Bouenza due to the violence that the government blames on former members of a militia loyal to Pastor Ntumi .

Thierry Moungalla, Minister of communication said,
“ The Pool region is experiencing a delicAte humanitarian situation particularly because of problems that were generated by the terrorist activities carried out by some ex militants.”

Thousands of internally displaced persons are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Thierry Moungalla added the meeting was to “assess humanitarian action; measures to be taken in relation to this humanitarian action to take, and more generally to reassure domestic public opinion and build international opinion on the fact that this is clearly an act of terrorism”

About 20 people have been killed in the renewed clashes in the Pool region according to the government spokesperson.

There’s increased security presence in the area with the Government saying it is not at war rather its tracking down Pastor Ntumi and two of his lieutenants.