Congo-Brazzaville: Treatment of members of the Punu (Pounou), Zabi, and Teke ethnic groups by the current government

The Research Directorate was unable to find specific information on the treatment of members of the Punu (Pounou), Zabi, and Teke ethnic groups by the current government in the sources consulted within the time constraints of this Response.

However, in referring to the war that broke out again in Brazzaville in December 1998 between the forces of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and those of the former Prime Minister Bernard Kolelas and deposed President Pascal Lissouba (Le Soir 28 Jan. 1999; AFP 27 Jan. 1999), L'autre Afrique notes in its issue of 20-26 January 1999 that "there is  more and more talk of an ethnic war" (11). Without naming the witnesses, the same source of information indicates that "several witnesses testify to massacres in the confrontations in Brazzaville that are essentially directed against the populations from the regions in the South" (ibid.).

According to Mondes rebelles, the regions in the south of the country are populated by ethnic groups such as the Nzabi, the Pounou (Punu), the Teke, the Kongo, the Bembe (Babembe) and the Zambi (1996, 409). Politically, these populations are traditionally in favour of the parties in the presidential sphere of influence of Pascal Lissouba (ibid.).

In a report published in April 1998 by the l'Observatoire congolais des droits de l'homme (OCDH) in collaboration with la Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme (FIDH), the authors note "that between  15 October and 15 November 1997, at least 100 people were executed at Pointe-Noire (south-west) for reasons related to their political allegiance, their regional and ethnic origin, which is actually, or perceived to be, not very favourable to the authorities"  (11). The same report adds that 25 cases of summary execution  listed at Lidouma (south-west) were the work of the Popular Democratic Front (FDP) of Sassou Nguesso, and that the victims were either "civilians or unarmed military who come  from the same regions as the former officials, or actual or perceived supporters of the deposed authorities" (14).

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 other additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Agence France Presse (AFP). 27 January 1999. "Le Congo-Brazzaville s'enfonce dans la violence." [Internet] . [Accessed on 28 Jan. 1999].

L'Autre Afrique [Paris]. 20-26 January 1999. No. 76. "État de guerre permanent."

Mondes rebelles: acteurs, conflits et violences politiques. 1996. Edited by Balencie, Jean-Marc and Arnaud de La Grange. 1996. Volume II. Paris : Éditions Michalon.

Observatoire congolais des droits de l'homme (OCDH). April 1998. Entre arbitraire et impunité: les droits de l'homme au Congo-Brazzaville. [Internet] . [Accessed on 25 Jan. 1999].

Le Soir [Brussels]. 28 January 1999. "La République du Congo a renoué avec une geurre civile qui a déjà fait plusieurs centaines de mort. Mêmes acteurs, même haine: Brazzaville rejoue sa mauvaise pièce." [Internet] . [Accessed on 28 Jan. 1999]

Other sources consulted

Africa Confidentiel [London]. 1997-1998.

Africa Research Bulletin [London]. 1997-December 1998.

Resource Centre Country File. Congo. 1997- January 1999.

Jeune Afrique [Paris]. 1997-January 1999.

Keesing's Record of World Events [Cambridge]. 1997- November 1998.

La Lettre hebdomadaire de la FIDH [Paris]. 1997-1998.

Electronic sources: Internet, (LEXIS/NEXIS), World News Connection (WNC).

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