Presidents calls on opponents to consolidate peace

President Denis Sassou-Nguesso has appealed to all Congolese, particularly exiled politicians opposed to his government, to take advantage of the government’s guarantee of security by returning to help consolidate the emerging peace and reconstruct the country. Intensifying the momentum towards peace and reconciliation had become a major priority for the president, the PanAfrican News Agency (PANA) quoted Economy Minister Henri Djombo as saying.

A committee established to follow up December’s peace deal was currently engaged in the voluntary disarmament of militias. Up to now, 3,000 militiamen had handed in some 5,000 guns in an operation scheduled for completion in two months’ time, Djombo added. He said the committee was attempting to establish a return and rehabilitation programme for displaced people and demobilised militia members. He urged donors - particularly the EU and UN agencies - for assistance. The minister brushed aside questions about a timetable for democratic elections, saying “the essential process now was to establish peace and that would later lead up to an electoral process”, PANA reported.