Kolelas recognises Sassou-Nguesso

Former prime minister and opposition leader Bernard Kolelas last week said he recognised President Denis Sassou-Nguesso as the Congolese leader. In an interview with Radio France Internationale, he expressed support for a ceasefire and a negotiated solution to the country’s conflict. Earlier, about 150 of his Ninja militiamen surrendered to the authorities, following the signing of two ceasefire agreements. The authorities meanwhile freed 17 prisoners, some of whom who were allies of Kolelas, in the northern town of Impfondo at the beginning of January, AFP reported, citing the independent newspaper ‘Les Echos du Congo’. The second peace accord was signed in Brazzaville on 29 December 1999, consolidating the first one of 16 November. Humanitarian sources said the new accord, signed by the government and five representatives of the “resistance forces”, should greatly advance ceasefire efforts. The signing ceremony was attended by ROC peace mediator, President Omar Bongo of Gabon. The sources said thousands of militiamen handed in their weapons during the month of January, in keeping with the accords. The fittest among them will be integrated into the army, while the others will be assisted to return to civilian life.