Pointe-Noire braces for rebel attack

Fighting between government forces and rebels continued in Dolisie at the weekend, Gabonese Africa No 1 radio said on Saturday. It quoted reports by Congolese state radio journalists that dead bodies could be seen in the streets of the southwestern town. Meanwhile, Pointe-Noire’s civilian population is living in fear of a possible attack by Cocoyes militia allied to ex-president Pascal Lissouba, Brazzaville’s ‘Le Semaines Africaines’ said on Thursday. It reported that local administration, military and religious authorities had taken steps to “save the city from the danger weighing upon it”. The police presence has been increased and community leaders told to report anyone suspicious in their area. Thousands of displaced people from Brazzaville, Dolisie, Nkayi and other areas had recently arrived in Pointe-Noire, the newspaper added.