Congo: Information on whether Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development (MCDDI) president Bernard Kolelas has a private army that can arrest individuals, and on the existence of private prisons for detaining individuals
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 June 1997 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | COG27075.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Congo: Information on whether Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development (MCDDI) president Bernard Kolelas has a private army that can arrest individuals, and on the existence of private prisons for detaining individuals, 1 June 1997, COG27075.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac1578.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| 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. |
Various reports indicate that MCDDI president Bernard Kolelas maintains a private militia (Inter Press Service 3 Nov. 1993; AP 5 June 1997; RFI 30 May 1997; Radio Nationale Congolaise 3 Nov. 1993; Balancie, J.M. et de La Grange 1996, 416). Named the 'Ninjas' (AP 5 June 1997; Inter Press Service 3 Nov. 1993; Balancie, J.M. et de La Grange 1996, 416), this militia was especially recruited from among the Bakongo and Lari tribes located in the south of Congo (ibid. 416).
Information on whether President Kolelas' private militia can make arrests and on the existence of private prisons could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB. However, some sources indicate that two civil servants were kidnapped by Kolelas' private militia on 1 November 1993 (Inter Press Service 3 Nov. 1993; Radio Nationale Congolaise 3 Nov. 1993). The same sources added that the two hostages were released, but do not indicate where they were detained.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB 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.
References
Associated Press (AP). 5 June 1995. Louis Okamba. "Attempt to Disarm Private Militia in Brazzaville Leaves One Dead." (NEXIS)
Balencie, J.M. et A. de La Grange. 1996. Vol. 1. Monde rebelles: Acteurs, conflits et violences politiques. Paris: Éditions Michalon.
Inter Press Service. 3 November 1993. Louis Okamba. "Congo: Fierce Fighting Reported Between Army and Opposition." (NEXIS)
Radio France Internationale [Paris, in French]. 28 May 1997. "Former President Confirms Militias Still Active." (BBC Summary 30 May 1997/NEXIS)
Radio Nationale Congolaise [Brazzaville, in French]. 3 November 1993. "Radio Reports Army Waging War on Kolelas." (BBC Summary 5 Nov. 1993/NEXIS)
Attachments
Associated Press (AP). 5 June 1995. Louis Okamba. "Attempt to Disarm Private Militia in Brazzaville Leaves One Dead." (NEXIS)
Balencie, J.M. et A. de La Grange. 1996. Vol. 1. Monde rebelles: Acteurs, conflits et violences politiques. Paris: Éditions Michalon, p. 416-417.
Inter Press Service. 3 November 1993. Louis Okamba. "Congo: Fierce Fighting Reported Between Army and Opposition." (NEXIS)
Radio France Internationale [Paris, in French]. 28 May 1997. "Former President Confirms Militias Still Active." (BBC Summary 30 May 1997/NEXIS)
Radio Nationale Congolaise [Brazzaville, in French]. 3 November 1993. "Radio Reports Army Waging War on Kolelas." (BBC Summary 5 Nov. 1993/NEXIS)
