Government shells city suburbs

Heavy fighting continued over the weekend in Congo-Brazzaville, with reports that Ninja and Cocoye militia had infiltrated the city. In an attempt to create “security zones”, government forces have been forcibly ejecting people from their homes, particularly near the airport where they have displaced up to 5,000 residents, humanitarian sources told IRIN. Government forces and their allies have been indiscriminately bombing - without any prior warning - districts of the city. In addition, government troops have been particularly brutal with civilian populations, the sources said. Soldiers have been seen entering IDP sites and arbitrarily arresting young men. Once taken away their fate is unknown.

The Ninja and Cocoye rebels are thought to be well organized and supplied and have a strong chain of command. In an effort to help contain their attacks, the number of Cubans in Congo-Brazzaville has been increased to approximately 1,000, regional analysts allege. Cuba has denied sending any troops.