Congo (Brazzaville): Current situation of members of the M'boshi ethnic group; whether there is systemic harassment against them and measures taken by the government to protect them from rebel groups
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 16 January 2003 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | COG40932.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Congo (Brazzaville): Current situation of members of the M'boshi ethnic group; whether there is systemic harassment against them and measures taken by the government to protect them from rebel groups, 16 January 2003, COG40932.E, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4d742d.html [accessed 30 December 2015] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
In addition to COG27890.F of 29 September 1997, information posted on the Website of the Minorities at Risk (MAR) research project, which is based at the University of Maryland, states that "the M'Boshi are represented by the President, Sassou Nguesso, and his militia the cobras. ...Due to their advantaged position, the M'Boshi have only one concern, protection from the other ethnic groups currently denied access to power (MAR 27 June 2002). Assessing the risk faced by the M'boshi in current Congo, the MAR report states that
the M'Boshi currently enjoy the support of the government. Unfortunately, their support comes at others expense, mainly southern ethnic groups such as the Lari. As recent violent episodes by Lari supported Ninja militia illustrate, the M'Boshi are in danger of attack, and their privileged position could be taken away at any point. While the President remains from their ethnic group it is extremely unlikely that the group will become involved in either protests or any form of rebellious activity. If President Sassou Nguesso is forced from office by the Lari or other ethnic groups, then the M'Boshi may revert once again to militant actions to try to regain power (27 June 2002).
This information could not be corroborated by sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
Reference
Minorities at Risk (MAR). 27 June 2002. Michael Johns. "M'boshi of the Republic of Congo." Additional Sources Consulted
Africa Confidential
Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Issues
Daniel G. Anna. December 1993. "Republic of the Congo." Constitutions of the Countries of the World. Edited by Albert P. Blaustein and Gisbert H. Flanz. Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2001. 2002. United States Department of State. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office.
Keesing's Record of World Events
Encyclopedia of the Third World. 1992. 3rd. ed. Vol. 1. Edited by George Thomas Kurian. New York: Facts On File.
New African.
Unsuccessful attempts to reach two oral sources
West Africa
Internet site:
All Africa
Research engine:
Google
