Peace committee defends freedom of movement

Meanwhile, the peace monitoring committee on Wednesday warned the security forces and former militia groups - both government and opposition - against restricting freedom of movement of people in former conflict zones. Committee vice-chairman Guy-Leon Ganya had recently visited Nzambi in the south of the country, near the border with Gabon, to assess the situation of the displaced where hundreds of armed militiamen had gathered and were considered a threat to the still fragile peace, Gabonese radio reported. A statement issued by the committee meeting, chaired by Interior Minister Pierre Oba, outlawed any form of coercion against anyone abiding by or promoting the peace deal. It also urged civil servants and soldiers to rejoin their bases, and students to return to their classes, Reuters news agency said.