Congo accused of 'gross' human rights violations by the United States

The U.S. State Department has said there were gross human rights violations in the Republic of Congo in 2016.

The claim is contained in a recent report published by the department where it suggests that almost all the fundamental rights protected by the Congolese constitution, the code of criminal procedure and international treaties have been violated.

It added that authorities also kept aid away and denied access to observers and journalists, adding political prisoners were kept in the process.

The 40-page report lists violations ranging from forced disappearance to torture and rape, all of which are attributed to Congolese state agents.

The report is coming on the back of violence in 2016, where the Congolese armed forces went head on against Ninja militants.

The UNHCR says the violence led to some 13,000 persons displaced.

Africanews spoke to Justice Minister Pièrre Mabiala who said a proposed meeting of human rights groups is due in Brazzaville on Wednesday.