A “stain on our conscience”

At a press briefing in New York yesterday (Wednesday), UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths described the situation in Congo-Brazzaville as a “forgotten emergency” and a “stain on our conscience”. Griffiths expressed concern for the 50,000 internally displaced in Brazzaville and another 120,000 persons who fled the southern parts of the city as fighting erupted - a group which still remains unaccounted for. Griffiths reported that two major districts of the capital are practically empty of civilians. He added that these areas have been “extremely effectively looted”. According to Griffiths, the capacity of humanitarian agencies to provide assistance is very limited due to security concerns. He added that “we are down to a very low international presence”. He also noted a prevailing view among donor governments that the cycle of violence is set to continue. While he admitted this could be an accurate analysis of the situation, Griffiths expressed concern that this might negatively affect funding for humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, Cocoye militia loyal to ex-president Pascal Lissouba attacked an army garrison in the southern town of Dolisie yesterday, news reports said. State radio today (Thursday) said the army has taken control of the situation.