| REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Republic of the Congo Republique du Congo Joined United Nations: 20 September 1960 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 12/01/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Brazzaville
4,125,916
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality
due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death
rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population
by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality
due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death
rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population
by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)
President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for
a second term); election last held 12 July 2009
Next scheduled election: 2016
a second term); election last held 12 July 2009
Next scheduled election: 2016
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
According to the Republic of Congo Constitution, the position
of Prime Minister was abolished. The President is both the Chief
of State and Head of Government
of Prime Minister was abolished. The President is both the Chief
of State and Head of Government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and other 3%
| RELIGIONS |
Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with 10 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune; Legal system is based on French civil law system and customary
law
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last 12 July 2009; (next to be held
in 2016)
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (66 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
and the National Assembly (137 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 05 August 2008 (next to be held in 2014); National Assembly - last held 24 June and 5 August 2007
(next to be held in 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme
law
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last 12 July 2009; (next to be held
in 2016)
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (66 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
and the National Assembly (137 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 05 August 2008 (next to be held in 2014); National Assembly - last held 24 June and 5 August 2007
(next to be held in 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme
| LANGUAGES |
French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is
the most widespread)
the most widespread)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The earliest inhabitants of the region comprising present-day Congo were the Bambuti people. The Bambuti were linked to Pygmy
tribes whose Stone Age culture was slowly replaced by Bantu tribes coming from regions north of present-day Democratic
Republic of the Congo about two thousand years ago introducing superior Iron Age culture to the region. The main Bantu tribe
living in the region were the Kongo, also known as Bakongo, who established mostly weak and unstable kingdoms along the mouth,
north and south of the Congo River. The capital of this Congolese kingdom, Mbanza Kongo, later baptized as Sao Salvador by the
Portuguese, is a town in northern Angola near the border with the DRC. From the capital they ruled over an empire encompassing
large parts of Angola, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ruling over nearby tributary states often by
appointing sons of the Kongo kings to head these states. It had six so-called provinces called Mbemba, Soyo, Mbamba, Mbata,
Nsundi and Mpangu. With the Kingdom of Loango in the north and the Kingdom of Mbundu in the south being tributary states. In
the East it bordered on the Kwango river, a tributary of the Congo River. In total the kingdom is said to have had 3 to 4 million
inhabitants and a surface of about 300.000 square km. According to oral traditions it was established in around 1400 when king
Lukena Lua Nimi conquered the kingdom of Kabunga and established Mbanza Kongo as its capital. This African Iron Age culture
came under great pressure with the arrival of the first Europeans, being in this case the Portuguese explorers. In Portugal the king
said in order to break Venetian and Ottoman control over trade with the East, they needed to organise a series of expeditions
southwards along the African coast with the idea of establishing direct contacts with Asia. In 1482-1483 under orders of the
Portuguese king Joao II Captain Diogo Cão sailing southwards discovered the Congo River en made the first contact with the local
population. In the beginning relations were limited and considered beneficial to both sides. With Christianity easily being accepted
by the local nobility, leading on the 3rd of May 1491 to the baptising of king Nzinga a Nkuwu as the first Christian Congolese king
Joao I. Being replaced after his death in 1506 by his son Nzinga Mbemba who ruled as king Afonso I until 1543. Relations
between both kingdoms deteriorated rapidly after 1510. The discovery of Brazil in 1500 and the need for labour to work on the
Portuguese plantations in Brazil, Cape Verde and Sao Tome led Portugal to look for more slaves. As the Portuguese's demand for
black slaves grew, the pressure on the Kongo kings increased. With the Kongo king Afonso I complaining in 1526 to his
Portuguese counterpart, Joao III, bitterly of the damage done to his kingdom by this trade, which was depopulating whole areas
and leading to constant wars with his neighbors. At some point even members of the royal family were taken and deported as slaves
to work on these plantations. The result was a series of revolts against Portuguese rule of which the battle of Mbwilla and the revolt
led by Kimpa Vita (Tchimpa Vita) were the most important. The Battle of Mbwilla (or Battle of Ambouilla or Battle of Ulanga) was
the result of a conflict between the Portuguese led by governor André Vidal de Negreiros and the Kongolese king Antonio I
concerning mining rights. As a result of all these wars the kingdom of the Loango in the north gained independence from Kongo.
Also new kingdoms came to existence of which that of the Téké was the most important, ruling over a large area encompassing
present-day Brazzaville and Kinshasa. The period leading up to the Berlin Conference on Africa of 1884-1885 saw a rush by the
major European powers to increase their control of the African continent. The rise in Western Europe of capitalism and the
consequent industrialization led to a fast growing demand for African raw materials like rubber, palm oil and cotton. Those who had
these raw materials could have their economy grow strong. Others would lose out. Resulting in a new and more intensified scramble
for Africa. The Congo River hereby was a prime target for this new conquest by the European nations. On the north bank of the
river arrived the French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, born in the Italian town of Castel Gandolfo in 1868. As a French
naval officer he refused to work for the International African Society and instead helped the French in their conquest of the area
north of the Congo River. Traveling from the Atlantic Ocean coast in present-day Gabon via the rivers Ogooué and Lefini he
arrived in 1880 in the kingdom of the Téké where on the 10th of September 1880 he signed the treaty with king Makoko
establishing French control over the region and making his capital soon afterwards at the small village named Mfoa later to be called
Brazzaville. The first name given officially on the 1st of August 1886 for the new colony was Colony of Gabon and Congo. On the
30th of April 1891 this was renamed Colony of French Congo, consisting of Gabon and Middle Congo, the name the French gave
to Congo-Brazzaville at that time. On the 15th of January 1910 the colony again was renamed to French Equatorial Africa (Afrique
Equatoriale Française or A.E.F.), this time it also included Chad and Oubangui-Chari, nowadays the Central African Republic.
Congo-Brazzaville gained autonomy on the November 28, 1958 and independence from France on the August 15, 1960.
Brazzaville hereby became the capital of the so-called Free French under the Gaulle ruled in theory by a Conseil de défense de l’
Empire set up by De Gaulle on the 27th of October 1940. In this revolt the then-governor of Chad Félix Eboué played a key role.
Because of this and his earlier support for De Gaulle he became Governor General of the Afrique Equatoriale Française (AEF) in
1940, the first non-white to achieve this position in French colonial history. Governor General Felix Eboué had in fact a carrot and
stick approach to local Congolese grievances. While allowing certain freedoms he brutally repressed any activities deemed
dangerous to French colonial control. The case of the Congolese trade unionist André Matsoua (Matswa) shows his tough
approach to political dissent. Shortly before gaining independence an event occurred that in the years to come would have deep
influence on the country and its relations with the outside world, mainly France. In 1957 near Pointe Indienne the French Societé
des Pétroles de l’Afrique Equatoriale Françaises (S.P.A.E.F.) found oil and gas reserves offshore in sufficient exploitable quantities.
After this turbulent difficult period the country gained independence from France on the 15th of August 1960 with Fulbert Youlou as
president. His powerbase already disputed by the local elite and with the French officially no longer in control his difficulties to stay
in power increased. As Brazzaville used to be the capital of the large AEF it had an important workforce and trade unions. Further
radicalisation elsewhere in Africa as a result of the decolonization led to revolt against the dictatorial rule of Youlou. After a period
of consolidation under the newly formed National Revolutionary Council, Ngouabi assumed the presidency on December 31, 1968.
One year later, President Ngouabi proclaimed Congo to be Africa's first "people's republic" and announced the decision of the
National Revolutionary Movement to change its name to the Congolese Labor Party (PCT). On March 18, 1977 President
Ngouabi was assassinated. Although the persons accused of shooting Ngouabi were tried and some of them executed, the
motivation behind the assassination is still not clear. An 11-member Military Committee of the Party (CMP) was named to head an
interim government with Col. (later Gen.) Joachim Yhombi-Opango to serve as President of the Republic. Accused of corruption
and deviation from party directives, Yhombi-Opango was removed from office on February 5, 1979, by the Central Committee of
the PCT, which then simultaneously designated Vice President and Defense Minister Col. Denis Sassou-Nguesso as interim
President. After decades of turbulent politics bolstered by Marxist-Leninist rhetoric, and with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the
Congolese gradually moderated their economic and political views to the point that, in 1992, Congo completed a transition to multi-
party democracy. Ending a long history of one-party Marxist rule, a specific agenda for this transition was laid out during Congo's
national conference of 1991 and culminated in August 1992 with multi-party presidential elections. Sassou-Nguesso conceded
defeat and Congo's new president, Professor Pascal Lissouba, was inaugurated on August 31, 1992. However, Congo's
democratic progress derailed in 1997. While the Army said the operation searched for arms Sassou used the incident as a casus
belli for armed insurrection, igniting a 4-month conflict that destroyed or damaged much of Brazzaville. Lissouba fled the capital
while his soldiers surrendered and citizens began looting. Soon thereafter, Sassou declared himself President and named a 33-
member government. Sassou won elections in 2002 with almost 90% of the vote.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Republic of the Congo
tribes whose Stone Age culture was slowly replaced by Bantu tribes coming from regions north of present-day Democratic
Republic of the Congo about two thousand years ago introducing superior Iron Age culture to the region. The main Bantu tribe
living in the region were the Kongo, also known as Bakongo, who established mostly weak and unstable kingdoms along the mouth,
north and south of the Congo River. The capital of this Congolese kingdom, Mbanza Kongo, later baptized as Sao Salvador by the
Portuguese, is a town in northern Angola near the border with the DRC. From the capital they ruled over an empire encompassing
large parts of Angola, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ruling over nearby tributary states often by
appointing sons of the Kongo kings to head these states. It had six so-called provinces called Mbemba, Soyo, Mbamba, Mbata,
Nsundi and Mpangu. With the Kingdom of Loango in the north and the Kingdom of Mbundu in the south being tributary states. In
the East it bordered on the Kwango river, a tributary of the Congo River. In total the kingdom is said to have had 3 to 4 million
inhabitants and a surface of about 300.000 square km. According to oral traditions it was established in around 1400 when king
Lukena Lua Nimi conquered the kingdom of Kabunga and established Mbanza Kongo as its capital. This African Iron Age culture
came under great pressure with the arrival of the first Europeans, being in this case the Portuguese explorers. In Portugal the king
said in order to break Venetian and Ottoman control over trade with the East, they needed to organise a series of expeditions
southwards along the African coast with the idea of establishing direct contacts with Asia. In 1482-1483 under orders of the
Portuguese king Joao II Captain Diogo Cão sailing southwards discovered the Congo River en made the first contact with the local
population. In the beginning relations were limited and considered beneficial to both sides. With Christianity easily being accepted
by the local nobility, leading on the 3rd of May 1491 to the baptising of king Nzinga a Nkuwu as the first Christian Congolese king
Joao I. Being replaced after his death in 1506 by his son Nzinga Mbemba who ruled as king Afonso I until 1543. Relations
between both kingdoms deteriorated rapidly after 1510. The discovery of Brazil in 1500 and the need for labour to work on the
Portuguese plantations in Brazil, Cape Verde and Sao Tome led Portugal to look for more slaves. As the Portuguese's demand for
black slaves grew, the pressure on the Kongo kings increased. With the Kongo king Afonso I complaining in 1526 to his
Portuguese counterpart, Joao III, bitterly of the damage done to his kingdom by this trade, which was depopulating whole areas
and leading to constant wars with his neighbors. At some point even members of the royal family were taken and deported as slaves
to work on these plantations. The result was a series of revolts against Portuguese rule of which the battle of Mbwilla and the revolt
led by Kimpa Vita (Tchimpa Vita) were the most important. The Battle of Mbwilla (or Battle of Ambouilla or Battle of Ulanga) was
the result of a conflict between the Portuguese led by governor André Vidal de Negreiros and the Kongolese king Antonio I
concerning mining rights. As a result of all these wars the kingdom of the Loango in the north gained independence from Kongo.
Also new kingdoms came to existence of which that of the Téké was the most important, ruling over a large area encompassing
present-day Brazzaville and Kinshasa. The period leading up to the Berlin Conference on Africa of 1884-1885 saw a rush by the
major European powers to increase their control of the African continent. The rise in Western Europe of capitalism and the
consequent industrialization led to a fast growing demand for African raw materials like rubber, palm oil and cotton. Those who had
these raw materials could have their economy grow strong. Others would lose out. Resulting in a new and more intensified scramble
for Africa. The Congo River hereby was a prime target for this new conquest by the European nations. On the north bank of the
river arrived the French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, born in the Italian town of Castel Gandolfo in 1868. As a French
naval officer he refused to work for the International African Society and instead helped the French in their conquest of the area
north of the Congo River. Traveling from the Atlantic Ocean coast in present-day Gabon via the rivers Ogooué and Lefini he
arrived in 1880 in the kingdom of the Téké where on the 10th of September 1880 he signed the treaty with king Makoko
establishing French control over the region and making his capital soon afterwards at the small village named Mfoa later to be called
Brazzaville. The first name given officially on the 1st of August 1886 for the new colony was Colony of Gabon and Congo. On the
30th of April 1891 this was renamed Colony of French Congo, consisting of Gabon and Middle Congo, the name the French gave
to Congo-Brazzaville at that time. On the 15th of January 1910 the colony again was renamed to French Equatorial Africa (Afrique
Equatoriale Française or A.E.F.), this time it also included Chad and Oubangui-Chari, nowadays the Central African Republic.
Congo-Brazzaville gained autonomy on the November 28, 1958 and independence from France on the August 15, 1960.
Brazzaville hereby became the capital of the so-called Free French under the Gaulle ruled in theory by a Conseil de défense de l’
Empire set up by De Gaulle on the 27th of October 1940. In this revolt the then-governor of Chad Félix Eboué played a key role.
Because of this and his earlier support for De Gaulle he became Governor General of the Afrique Equatoriale Française (AEF) in
1940, the first non-white to achieve this position in French colonial history. Governor General Felix Eboué had in fact a carrot and
stick approach to local Congolese grievances. While allowing certain freedoms he brutally repressed any activities deemed
dangerous to French colonial control. The case of the Congolese trade unionist André Matsoua (Matswa) shows his tough
approach to political dissent. Shortly before gaining independence an event occurred that in the years to come would have deep
influence on the country and its relations with the outside world, mainly France. In 1957 near Pointe Indienne the French Societé
des Pétroles de l’Afrique Equatoriale Françaises (S.P.A.E.F.) found oil and gas reserves offshore in sufficient exploitable quantities.
After this turbulent difficult period the country gained independence from France on the 15th of August 1960 with Fulbert Youlou as
president. His powerbase already disputed by the local elite and with the French officially no longer in control his difficulties to stay
in power increased. As Brazzaville used to be the capital of the large AEF it had an important workforce and trade unions. Further
radicalisation elsewhere in Africa as a result of the decolonization led to revolt against the dictatorial rule of Youlou. After a period
of consolidation under the newly formed National Revolutionary Council, Ngouabi assumed the presidency on December 31, 1968.
One year later, President Ngouabi proclaimed Congo to be Africa's first "people's republic" and announced the decision of the
National Revolutionary Movement to change its name to the Congolese Labor Party (PCT). On March 18, 1977 President
Ngouabi was assassinated. Although the persons accused of shooting Ngouabi were tried and some of them executed, the
motivation behind the assassination is still not clear. An 11-member Military Committee of the Party (CMP) was named to head an
interim government with Col. (later Gen.) Joachim Yhombi-Opango to serve as President of the Republic. Accused of corruption
and deviation from party directives, Yhombi-Opango was removed from office on February 5, 1979, by the Central Committee of
the PCT, which then simultaneously designated Vice President and Defense Minister Col. Denis Sassou-Nguesso as interim
President. After decades of turbulent politics bolstered by Marxist-Leninist rhetoric, and with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the
Congolese gradually moderated their economic and political views to the point that, in 1992, Congo completed a transition to multi-
party democracy. Ending a long history of one-party Marxist rule, a specific agenda for this transition was laid out during Congo's
national conference of 1991 and culminated in August 1992 with multi-party presidential elections. Sassou-Nguesso conceded
defeat and Congo's new president, Professor Pascal Lissouba, was inaugurated on August 31, 1992. However, Congo's
democratic progress derailed in 1997. While the Army said the operation searched for arms Sassou used the incident as a casus
belli for armed insurrection, igniting a 4-month conflict that destroyed or damaged much of Brazzaville. Lissouba fled the capital
while his soldiers surrendered and citizens began looting. Soon thereafter, Sassou declared himself President and named a 33-
member government. Sassou won elections in 2002 with almost 90% of the vote.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Republic of the Congo
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The economy is a mixture of subsistence agriculture, an industrial sector based largely on oil, and support services, and a
government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy,
providing a major share of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil revenues enabled the government
to finance large-scale development projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. The
government has mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil earnings through oil-backed loans that have contributed to a growing debt
burden and chronic revenue shortfalls. Economic reform efforts have been undertaken with the support of international
organizations, notably the World Bank and the IMF. However, the reform program came to a halt in June 1997 when civil war
erupted. Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, who returned to power when the war ended in October 1997, publicly expressed interest in
moving forward on economic reforms and privatization and in renewing cooperation with international financial institutions.
Economic progress was badly hurt by slumping oil prices and the resumption of armed conflict in December 1998, which worsened
the republic's budget deficit. The current administration presides over an uneasy internal peace and faces difficult economic
challenges of stimulating recovery and reducing poverty. Recovery of oil prices has boosted the economy's GDP and near-term
prospects. In March 2006, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved Heavily Indebted Poor
Countries (HIPC) treatment for Congo.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Congo, Republic of the)
government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy,
providing a major share of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil revenues enabled the government
to finance large-scale development projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. The
government has mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil earnings through oil-backed loans that have contributed to a growing debt
burden and chronic revenue shortfalls. Economic reform efforts have been undertaken with the support of international
organizations, notably the World Bank and the IMF. However, the reform program came to a halt in June 1997 when civil war
erupted. Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, who returned to power when the war ended in October 1997, publicly expressed interest in
moving forward on economic reforms and privatization and in renewing cooperation with international financial institutions.
Economic progress was badly hurt by slumping oil prices and the resumption of armed conflict in December 1998, which worsened
the republic's budget deficit. The current administration presides over an uneasy internal peace and faces difficult economic
challenges of stimulating recovery and reducing poverty. Recovery of oil prices has boosted the economy's GDP and near-term
prospects. In March 2006, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved Heavily Indebted Poor
Countries (HIPC) treatment for Congo.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Congo, Republic of the)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Politics of the Republic of the Congo takes place in a framework of a presidential republic, whereby the President is both head of
state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative
power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of the parliament. Before the 1997 civil war, the Republic of the
Congo's system of government was similar to that of the French. However, after taking power, Denis Sassou-Nguesso suspended
the constitution approved in 1992 upon which this system was based. The new constitution (adopted by popular vote in 2002),
returns to the earlier model with a seven-year presidential term and a bicameral national parliament.
The Parliament (Parlement) has two chambers. The National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) has 153 members, for a five year
term in single-seat constituencies. The Senate (Sénat) has 66 members, elected for a six year term by district, local and regional
councils. The Republic of Congo is a one party dominant state with the Congolese Labour Party in power. Opposition parties are
allowed, but are widely considered to have no real chance of gaining power.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Republic of the Congo
state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative
power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of the parliament. Before the 1997 civil war, the Republic of the
Congo's system of government was similar to that of the French. However, after taking power, Denis Sassou-Nguesso suspended
the constitution approved in 1992 upon which this system was based. The new constitution (adopted by popular vote in 2002),
returns to the earlier model with a seven-year presidential term and a bicameral national parliament.
The Parliament (Parlement) has two chambers. The National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) has 153 members, for a five year
term in single-seat constituencies. The Senate (Sénat) has 66 members, elected for a six year term by district, local and regional
councils. The Republic of Congo is a one party dominant state with the Congolese Labour Party in power. Opposition parties are
allowed, but are widely considered to have no real chance of gaining power.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Republic of the Congo
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
The location of the boundary in the broad Congo River with the Democratic Republic of the Congo is indefinite except in the Pool
Malebo/Stanley Pool area
Malebo/Stanley Pool area
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
Refugees (country of origin): 546,341 (Democratic Republic of Congo); 6,564 (Rwanda)
IDPs: 48,000 (multiple civil wars since 1992; most IDPs are ethnic Lari) (2007)
IDPs: 48,000 (multiple civil wars since 1992; most IDPs are ethnic Lari) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Republic of the Congo
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of the Congo, with an estimated population of four million, is a parliamentary republic in which most of the decision-
making authority and political power is vested in the president and his administration. Denis Sassou Nguesso was reelected president in
the July 12 election with 78 percent of the vote. While the election was peaceful, opposition candidates and nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs) cited irregularities. The African Union declared the elections to have been free and fair. Civilian authorities
generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government's human rights record included;
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of the Congo, with an estimated population of four million, is a parliamentary republic in which most of the decision-
making authority and political power is vested in the president and his administration. Denis Sassou Nguesso was reelected president in
the July 12 election with 78 percent of the vote. While the election was peaceful, opposition candidates and nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs) cited irregularities. The African Union declared the elections to have been free and fair. Civilian authorities
generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government's human rights record included;
- instances of abuses including:
- killings of suspects by security forces;
- mob violence;
- beatings and other physical abuse of detainees;
- rapes;
- solicitation of bribes and theft;
- harassment and extortion of civilians by unidentified armed elements;
- poor prison conditions;
- official impunity;
- arbitrary arrest;
- lengthy pretrial detention;
- an ineffective and largely nonfunctioning judiciary;
- infringement of citizens' privacy rights;
- restrictions on freedom of speech, press, association, and movement;
- official corruption and lack of transparency;
- domestic violence, including rape, and societal discrimination against women;
- trafficking in persons;
- discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, particularly against Pygmies;
- child labor.
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
March 6, 2009
COMMITTEE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Sixty-fourth session
February 16-March 6, 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
CONGO
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the initial report of the Congo and the establishment of dialogue with the State party. He welcomes the
honesty he has shown in his report recognizing situations that affect the Congo.
3. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the additional information provided orally and in writing, and welcomes the constructive
and frank dialogue it had with the delegation of the State party.
B. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention
5. The Committee notes the State party is under a reconstruction period, after going through a difficult period of armed conflict and is
concerned about the fragility of the peace within and the country's borders, which resulted impede the full implementation of the
Convention.
C. Positive aspects
6. The Committee notes with satisfaction that, according to the preamble of the 2002 Constitution, international treaties concerning
human rights which have been ratified by the State party, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of racial
discrimination are part and parcel of the national law of the State party.
7. The Committee notes with interest that a national action plan for improving the quality of life of indigenous peoples 2009-2013 has
been developed and adopted with the participation of civil society and UN agencies.
D. Concerns and recommendations
10. The Committee notes that the information provided by the State party on the ethnic and linguistic composition of its population,
including indigenous peoples, refugees and asylum seekers, are incomplete. He said that information on the demographic composition
allows the Committee as well as the State party to better assess the implementation of the Convention at national level.
The Committee:
a) recommends that the State party conduct a census and to provide in its next report disaggregated statistical data resulting from it. He
also recommended to ensure that the questionnaire used for this purpose contains questions relevant to better understand the ethnic and
linguistic composition of the population including indigenous peoples.
b) invites the State party to submit data on asylum seekers, refugees and displaced persons, to enable it to assess the extent, distribution
and impact of their movements.
Click here to read more »
March 6, 2009
COMMITTEE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Sixty-fourth session
February 16-March 6, 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
CONGO
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the initial report of the Congo and the establishment of dialogue with the State party. He welcomes the
honesty he has shown in his report recognizing situations that affect the Congo.
3. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the additional information provided orally and in writing, and welcomes the constructive
and frank dialogue it had with the delegation of the State party.
B. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention
5. The Committee notes the State party is under a reconstruction period, after going through a difficult period of armed conflict and is
concerned about the fragility of the peace within and the country's borders, which resulted impede the full implementation of the
Convention.
C. Positive aspects
6. The Committee notes with satisfaction that, according to the preamble of the 2002 Constitution, international treaties concerning
human rights which have been ratified by the State party, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of racial
discrimination are part and parcel of the national law of the State party.
7. The Committee notes with interest that a national action plan for improving the quality of life of indigenous peoples 2009-2013 has
been developed and adopted with the participation of civil society and UN agencies.
D. Concerns and recommendations
10. The Committee notes that the information provided by the State party on the ethnic and linguistic composition of its population,
including indigenous peoples, refugees and asylum seekers, are incomplete. He said that information on the demographic composition
allows the Committee as well as the State party to better assess the implementation of the Convention at national level.
The Committee:
a) recommends that the State party conduct a census and to provide in its next report disaggregated statistical data resulting from it. He
also recommended to ensure that the questionnaire used for this purpose contains questions relevant to better understand the ethnic and
linguistic composition of the population including indigenous peoples.
b) invites the State party to submit data on asylum seekers, refugees and displaced persons, to enable it to assess the extent, distribution
and impact of their movements.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Not Free
Trend Arrow
Congo received a downward trend arrow due to President Denis Sassou-Nguesso’s increasing concentration of power and the
authorities’ handling of the July 2009 presidential election and its aftermath, including the disqualification of several
opposition candidates and the intimidation of journalists.
Overview
President Denis Sassou-Nguesso secured a new term in the July 2009 presidential election, which was marred by the lack of an
independent electoral commission, the disqualification of several opposition candidates, and the intimidation of journalists. Sassou-
Nguesso subsequently eliminated the position of prime minister, further concentrating executive power in his own hands. A postelection
demonstration by the opposition was forcefully halted by the police, and opposition leaders were barred from leaving the country.
In the July 2009 presidential election, Sassou-Nguesso won another term with 79 percent of the vote. His closest challenger was
independent candidate Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou, who took 7 percent. Six of the original 16 opposition candidates had
withdrawn to protest poor electoral conditions. The government had again rejected calls to establish an independent electoral
commission, and the existing National Commission on Elections (CONEL) had disqualified four of the initial opposition candidates, most
notably Ange Edouard Poungui of the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy (UPADS), the largest opposition party in the National
Assembly.
While the government reported voter turnout of 66 percent, the opposition claimed that the figure was closer to 10 percent. The African
Union and the Economic Community of Central African States sent some poll observers, but the European Union did not. In advance of
the elections, the government had updated the existing voter registry rather than carrying out a new census, despite evidence of
inaccuracies.
Sassou-Nguesso made major cabinet changes after the election, including the elimination of the position of prime minister. The move
meant that the president would be both head of state and head of government, further concentrating executive power.
Congo is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s major oil producers, which has led to strong economic ties with France and other European
states. However, corruption and decades of instability have contributed to poor humanitarian conditions. Congo ranked 136 out of 182
countries on the 2009 UN Human Development Index.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Not Free
Trend Arrow
Congo received a downward trend arrow due to President Denis Sassou-Nguesso’s increasing concentration of power and the
authorities’ handling of the July 2009 presidential election and its aftermath, including the disqualification of several
opposition candidates and the intimidation of journalists.
Overview
President Denis Sassou-Nguesso secured a new term in the July 2009 presidential election, which was marred by the lack of an
independent electoral commission, the disqualification of several opposition candidates, and the intimidation of journalists. Sassou-
Nguesso subsequently eliminated the position of prime minister, further concentrating executive power in his own hands. A postelection
demonstration by the opposition was forcefully halted by the police, and opposition leaders were barred from leaving the country.
In the July 2009 presidential election, Sassou-Nguesso won another term with 79 percent of the vote. His closest challenger was
independent candidate Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou, who took 7 percent. Six of the original 16 opposition candidates had
withdrawn to protest poor electoral conditions. The government had again rejected calls to establish an independent electoral
commission, and the existing National Commission on Elections (CONEL) had disqualified four of the initial opposition candidates, most
notably Ange Edouard Poungui of the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy (UPADS), the largest opposition party in the National
Assembly.
While the government reported voter turnout of 66 percent, the opposition claimed that the figure was closer to 10 percent. The African
Union and the Economic Community of Central African States sent some poll observers, but the European Union did not. In advance of
the elections, the government had updated the existing voter registry rather than carrying out a new census, despite evidence of
inaccuracies.
Sassou-Nguesso made major cabinet changes after the election, including the elimination of the position of prime minister. The move
meant that the president would be both head of state and head of government, further concentrating executive power.
Congo is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s major oil producers, which has led to strong economic ties with France and other European
states. However, corruption and decades of instability have contributed to poor humanitarian conditions. Congo ranked 136 out of 182
countries on the 2009 UN Human Development Index.
Click here to read more »
REPUBLIC OF CONGO
GERMAIN NDABAMENYA ETIKILOME, MÉDARD MABWAKA EGBONDE AND BOSCH NDALA UMBA
DETAINED WITHOUT CHARGE OR TRIAL
The Wire, August/September 2010. Vol. 40, issue 04
31 July 2010
Three former members of the security services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are being held without charge or trial in
the neighbouring Republic of Congo. Germain Ndabamenya Etikilome, Médard Mabwaka Egbonde and Bosch Ndala Umba have been
detained since March 2004 by the military security service, Direction Centrale des Renseignements Militaires (DCRM) in the capital,
Brazzaville.
All three men say that they fled the DRC to avoid being arrested by the authorities. They allege that they were being falsely accused of
seeking to overthrow the DRC government. They all claimed asylum in Brazzaville. Bosch Ndala Umba was granted refugee status while
the other two men are still awaiting a decision on their asylum applications.
Their detention constitutes a violation of the Republic of Congo’s obligations under the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of
Refugees. It also violates the country’s Code of Penal Procedure. The Code provides that a suspect should be brought before a judicial
official within 48 hours of being arrested, and should either be charged with an offence or released. The Code also provides that an
accused person should be brought to trial within six months of his or her arrest. The unexplained and prolonged detention of the three
men constitutes an unlawful deprivation of their liberty.
Click here to read more »
GERMAIN NDABAMENYA ETIKILOME, MÉDARD MABWAKA EGBONDE AND BOSCH NDALA UMBA
DETAINED WITHOUT CHARGE OR TRIAL
The Wire, August/September 2010. Vol. 40, issue 04
31 July 2010
Three former members of the security services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are being held without charge or trial in
the neighbouring Republic of Congo. Germain Ndabamenya Etikilome, Médard Mabwaka Egbonde and Bosch Ndala Umba have been
detained since March 2004 by the military security service, Direction Centrale des Renseignements Militaires (DCRM) in the capital,
Brazzaville.
All three men say that they fled the DRC to avoid being arrested by the authorities. They allege that they were being falsely accused of
seeking to overthrow the DRC government. They all claimed asylum in Brazzaville. Bosch Ndala Umba was granted refugee status while
the other two men are still awaiting a decision on their asylum applications.
Their detention constitutes a violation of the Republic of Congo’s obligations under the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of
Refugees. It also violates the country’s Code of Penal Procedure. The Code provides that a suspect should be brought before a judicial
official within 48 hours of being arrested, and should either be charged with an offence or released. The Code also provides that an
accused person should be brought to trial within six months of his or her arrest. The unexplained and prolonged detention of the three
men constitutes an unlawful deprivation of their liberty.
Click here to read more »
UN: Ensure Peacekeepers in Congo Focus on Protecting Civilians
Secretary-General Should Act to Prevent Peacekeepers From Being Implicated in War Crimes
December 23, 2009
(New York) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon should ensure that the UN peacekeeping force in Congo focuses on protecting
civilians and avoids supporting Congolese army operations that implicate peacekeepers in violations of the laws of war, Human Rights
Watch said today. The UN Security Council is expected to adopt a new resolution on the peacekeeping mission's mandate on December
23, 2009.
"The civilian cost of the current military operations in eastern Congo has been catastrophic," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at
Human Rights Watch. "The secretary-general should ensure that MONUC's new mandate is implemented in a way that ensures
peacekeepers do not find themselves aiding those who are committing war crimes."
Human Rights Watch called for MONUC's conditionality policy that sets out conditions for the mission's support to Congolese army
units to include the removal of Congolese army commanders with a documented track record of grave human rights abuses.
In the new resolution, which extends MONUC's mandate until May 31, 2010, with the intention to extend it for a further twelve months,
the Security Council requests the secretary-general to establish an "appropriate mechanism" to assess how MONUC's conditionality
policy is being carried out.
In line with this request, Human Rights Watch called on the secretary-general to urgently deploy an independent Civilian Protection
Expert Group to eastern Congo to examine the implementation of MONUC's conditionality policy. Sending an expert group would be
consistent with the UN Security Council Resolution 1894 to advance and ensure protection of civilians and the secretary-general's own
recommendations from his March 2009 report to the UN Security Council.
Human Rights Watch also recommended that the independent group of experts report back to the Security Council before the end of
MONUC's mandate in May 2010 with an account of major attacks against civilians committed over the past year in eastern Congo and
an assessment of the system-wide strategy to protect civilians.
The expert group should also provide an analysis of how the conditionality policy was or was not applied during the peacekeepers'
support of military operations in 2009 and offer concrete recommendations on when and how the peacekeeping mission can support
Congolese army military operations, and effectively use its leverage while abiding by its legal obligations and top priority to protect
civilians.
Click here to read more »
Secretary-General Should Act to Prevent Peacekeepers From Being Implicated in War Crimes
December 23, 2009
(New York) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon should ensure that the UN peacekeeping force in Congo focuses on protecting
civilians and avoids supporting Congolese army operations that implicate peacekeepers in violations of the laws of war, Human Rights
Watch said today. The UN Security Council is expected to adopt a new resolution on the peacekeeping mission's mandate on December
23, 2009.
"The civilian cost of the current military operations in eastern Congo has been catastrophic," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at
Human Rights Watch. "The secretary-general should ensure that MONUC's new mandate is implemented in a way that ensures
peacekeepers do not find themselves aiding those who are committing war crimes."
Human Rights Watch called for MONUC's conditionality policy that sets out conditions for the mission's support to Congolese army
units to include the removal of Congolese army commanders with a documented track record of grave human rights abuses.
In the new resolution, which extends MONUC's mandate until May 31, 2010, with the intention to extend it for a further twelve months,
the Security Council requests the secretary-general to establish an "appropriate mechanism" to assess how MONUC's conditionality
policy is being carried out.
In line with this request, Human Rights Watch called on the secretary-general to urgently deploy an independent Civilian Protection
Expert Group to eastern Congo to examine the implementation of MONUC's conditionality policy. Sending an expert group would be
consistent with the UN Security Council Resolution 1894 to advance and ensure protection of civilians and the secretary-general's own
recommendations from his March 2009 report to the UN Security Council.
Human Rights Watch also recommended that the independent group of experts report back to the Security Council before the end of
MONUC's mandate in May 2010 with an account of major attacks against civilians committed over the past year in eastern Congo and
an assessment of the system-wide strategy to protect civilians.
The expert group should also provide an analysis of how the conditionality policy was or was not applied during the peacekeepers'
support of military operations in 2009 and offer concrete recommendations on when and how the peacekeeping mission can support
Congolese army military operations, and effectively use its leverage while abiding by its legal obligations and top priority to protect
civilians.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
November 28, now celebrated Republic Day -
26/11/2010
The National Assembly adopted on November 24 in Brazzaville, during a session, the draft law establishing November 28 as Republic
Day and August 15 as national holiday.
The Republic of Congo was proclaimed November 28, 1958, following the framework law Defferre 1956. Consequently, the country
will have autonomy but not independence, as it does that will be proclaimed August 15, 1960.
According to Minister of State, Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Aimé Emmanuel Yoka, the date November
28, 1958 historic landmark is the foundation of the Republic.
"On 28 November, the day of the Republic. The Republic has preceded the nation which itself operates under political systems that can
give, "he said.
With the passage of these bills, these two dates (November 28, 1958 and August 15, 1960) will be public holidays, nonworking, paid and
celebrated throughout the national territory.
At its meeting on 21 October the Cabinet decided to celebrate the proclamation of the Republic. "Through Resolution No. 112/58 of the
Territorial Assembly that the autonomous state of the Middle Congo was proclaimed Republic of Congo, November 28, 1958. The date
of August 15, 1960, marking the declaration of Congolese independence, has overshadowed the 28 November, however, that determines
the birth of the Republic, thus passing from colony to the French Republic ", says the report said cabinet.
Click here to read more »
November 28, now celebrated Republic Day -
26/11/2010
The National Assembly adopted on November 24 in Brazzaville, during a session, the draft law establishing November 28 as Republic
Day and August 15 as national holiday.
The Republic of Congo was proclaimed November 28, 1958, following the framework law Defferre 1956. Consequently, the country
will have autonomy but not independence, as it does that will be proclaimed August 15, 1960.
According to Minister of State, Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Aimé Emmanuel Yoka, the date November
28, 1958 historic landmark is the foundation of the Republic.
"On 28 November, the day of the Republic. The Republic has preceded the nation which itself operates under political systems that can
give, "he said.
With the passage of these bills, these two dates (November 28, 1958 and August 15, 1960) will be public holidays, nonworking, paid and
celebrated throughout the national territory.
At its meeting on 21 October the Cabinet decided to celebrate the proclamation of the Republic. "Through Resolution No. 112/58 of the
Territorial Assembly that the autonomous state of the Middle Congo was proclaimed Republic of Congo, November 28, 1958. The date
of August 15, 1960, marking the declaration of Congolese independence, has overshadowed the 28 November, however, that determines
the birth of the Republic, thus passing from colony to the French Republic ", says the report said cabinet.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Judicial harassment of muzzling the opposition, seizure of democracy by the government
OCDH by Saturday, March 13, 2010
In its role of promoting, protecting and defending human rights, democracy and the rule of law, the Congolese Observatory of Human
Rights (OHCHR) is hereby express its deep concern face legal harassment of political party leaders of the Congolese opposition gathered
around the front of Congolese opposition parties (FPOC). These include Mathias Dzon gentlemen, Ange Edouard Poungui, Romain Guy
Kinfoussia Clement Mierassa, Emmanuel Mgouelondele and others.
Since the organization lacks credibility of the presidential election on July 12, 2009 with the low turnout, the dysfunction, fraud and
many irregularities had been found and reported by a unanimous election observers, the Congolese government insists in its logic of
tracking down leaders of the opposition, ignoring the recommendations of the OCDH after the election of July 2009 include: -
Establishing a framework for consultation and dialogue between the government and Opposition - The overhaul of the electoral register -
The establishment of an independent electoral commission.
Through this position paper, OCDH following with particular attention the political situation in Congo and calls on government to witness
the international community on the democratic deficit that exists in the Republic of Congo.
II-Conclusion and Recommendations
Political opponents are fundamental opposition force leaders who contribute to building a democratic society. And democracy is the set
of practices and standardization of principles that are intended for the consecration of liberty and the establishment of the rule of law.
This judicial harassment, interrogations by the inadvertent intelligence services and that these bans come and go political opponents are
evidence of a clear desire not to see the establishment of true democracy in the country.
In view of the foregoing, OCDH recommends:
Congolese government:
- To end legal proceedings against the leaders of the opposition as no charge against them has been established;
- To cease all forms of threats and harassment against
political opponents;
- Ensure the safety and protection of physical integrity and moral
political opponents;
- To respect freedom of opinion and political pluralism;
- Ensure compliance with its commitments internationally
Click here to read more »
Judicial harassment of muzzling the opposition, seizure of democracy by the government
OCDH by Saturday, March 13, 2010
In its role of promoting, protecting and defending human rights, democracy and the rule of law, the Congolese Observatory of Human
Rights (OHCHR) is hereby express its deep concern face legal harassment of political party leaders of the Congolese opposition gathered
around the front of Congolese opposition parties (FPOC). These include Mathias Dzon gentlemen, Ange Edouard Poungui, Romain Guy
Kinfoussia Clement Mierassa, Emmanuel Mgouelondele and others.
Since the organization lacks credibility of the presidential election on July 12, 2009 with the low turnout, the dysfunction, fraud and
many irregularities had been found and reported by a unanimous election observers, the Congolese government insists in its logic of
tracking down leaders of the opposition, ignoring the recommendations of the OCDH after the election of July 2009 include: -
Establishing a framework for consultation and dialogue between the government and Opposition - The overhaul of the electoral register -
The establishment of an independent electoral commission.
Through this position paper, OCDH following with particular attention the political situation in Congo and calls on government to witness
the international community on the democratic deficit that exists in the Republic of Congo.
II-Conclusion and Recommendations
Political opponents are fundamental opposition force leaders who contribute to building a democratic society. And democracy is the set
of practices and standardization of principles that are intended for the consecration of liberty and the establishment of the rule of law.
This judicial harassment, interrogations by the inadvertent intelligence services and that these bans come and go political opponents are
evidence of a clear desire not to see the establishment of true democracy in the country.
In view of the foregoing, OCDH recommends:
Congolese government:
- To end legal proceedings against the leaders of the opposition as no charge against them has been established;
- To cease all forms of threats and harassment against
political opponents;
- Ensure the safety and protection of physical integrity and moral
political opponents;
- To respect freedom of opinion and political pluralism;
- Ensure compliance with its commitments internationally
Click here to read more »
| COMMISSION NATIONALE DES DROITS DE L'HOMME DU CONGO/NATIONAL COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE CONGO |
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
MEETING OF NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN CENTRAL AFRICA
Organised by the African Union Commission
Closing Statement by Jean Martin MBEMBA, President of the National Commission on Human Rights of the Congo
Brazzaville - Foreign Ministry - 14-16 June 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Floribert Chebeya was undoubtedly the honor of our community, subregional and thus African Human Rights. He could be here today in
this place, because he used to cross the river to Brazzaville to actively participate in activities related to what was dear to him: the
promotion and protection of human rights .
Floribert no more. It fell when we were preparing the demonstrations that we have gathered here since June 11 He will remain forever in
our hearts.
As had been done before at the request of the African Union at the first workshop, observing, at the close of the second workshop, a
minute's silence in his memory.
The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) Congo, was honored by the holding of the meeting in Brazzaville National
Institutions of Human Rights in Central Africa, organized by the African Union.
Also, we thank the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission who worked with great energy to this activity takes
place, and it takes place in Central Africa sub-region with the most large deficits in the capacity of National Human Rights Institutions
(NHRI).
Our thanks then to the delegations of National Commissions of Human Rights (NCHR) in countries of Central Africa, which are made
available by making the movement of Brazzaville, in spite of the contingencies and constraints which are their in their respective
countries.
We also wish to emphasize that we were sensitive to the presence at this meeting of representatives of Governments of the subregion,
including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice of Cameroon, Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Cooperation, Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Women Promotion and Integration of Women in Development of Congo,
which indicate presence of interest Governments provide the capacity building of National Institutions of Human Rights in Central Africa.
The sad face at least four (4) countries of the subregion, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, Gabon, Sao
Tome and Principle does not yet have the National Institutions of Human Rights. We do not know what it is in Burundi and Equatorial
Guinea.
Nevertheless, the existence of drafts or bills submitted for the approval of parliaments in particular in the DRC and Gabon, are signs of
hope in these countries emerge from the NHRC in accordance with the Principles Paris.
Click here to read more>>
MEETING OF NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN CENTRAL AFRICA
Organised by the African Union Commission
Closing Statement by Jean Martin MBEMBA, President of the National Commission on Human Rights of the Congo
Brazzaville - Foreign Ministry - 14-16 June 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Floribert Chebeya was undoubtedly the honor of our community, subregional and thus African Human Rights. He could be here today in
this place, because he used to cross the river to Brazzaville to actively participate in activities related to what was dear to him: the
promotion and protection of human rights .
Floribert no more. It fell when we were preparing the demonstrations that we have gathered here since June 11 He will remain forever in
our hearts.
As had been done before at the request of the African Union at the first workshop, observing, at the close of the second workshop, a
minute's silence in his memory.
The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) Congo, was honored by the holding of the meeting in Brazzaville National
Institutions of Human Rights in Central Africa, organized by the African Union.
Also, we thank the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission who worked with great energy to this activity takes
place, and it takes place in Central Africa sub-region with the most large deficits in the capacity of National Human Rights Institutions
(NHRI).
Our thanks then to the delegations of National Commissions of Human Rights (NCHR) in countries of Central Africa, which are made
available by making the movement of Brazzaville, in spite of the contingencies and constraints which are their in their respective
countries.
We also wish to emphasize that we were sensitive to the presence at this meeting of representatives of Governments of the subregion,
including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice of Cameroon, Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Cooperation, Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Women Promotion and Integration of Women in Development of Congo,
which indicate presence of interest Governments provide the capacity building of National Institutions of Human Rights in Central Africa.
The sad face at least four (4) countries of the subregion, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, Gabon, Sao
Tome and Principle does not yet have the National Institutions of Human Rights. We do not know what it is in Burundi and Equatorial
Guinea.
Nevertheless, the existence of drafts or bills submitted for the approval of parliaments in particular in the DRC and Gabon, are signs of
hope in these countries emerge from the NHRC in accordance with the Principles Paris.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Denis Sassou-Nguesso
President since 25 October 1997
President since 25 October 1997
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
Current situation: Republic of the Congo is a source and destination country for children trafficked for the purposes of forced
labor and commercial sexual exploitation; girls are trafficked from rural areas within the country for commercial sexual exploitation,
forced street vending, and domestic servitude; children are trafficked from other African countries for domestic servitude, forced
market vending, and forced labor in the fishing industry
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Republic of the Congo is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to show evidence of increasing
efforts to combat trafficking in persons in 2007; struggling to recover from six years of civil conflict that ended in 2003, the Republic
of the Congo's capacity to address trafficking is handicapped; the government neither monitors its borders for trafficking activity nor
provides specialized anti-trafficking training for law enforcement officials; the government does not encourage victims to assist in
trafficking investigations or prosecutions, and has not taken measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts in the Republic of
the Congo (2008)
labor and commercial sexual exploitation; girls are trafficked from rural areas within the country for commercial sexual exploitation,
forced street vending, and domestic servitude; children are trafficked from other African countries for domestic servitude, forced
market vending, and forced labor in the fishing industry
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Republic of the Congo is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to show evidence of increasing
efforts to combat trafficking in persons in 2007; struggling to recover from six years of civil conflict that ended in 2003, the Republic
of the Congo's capacity to address trafficking is handicapped; the government neither monitors its borders for trafficking activity nor
provides specialized anti-trafficking training for law enforcement officials; the government does not encourage victims to assist in
trafficking investigations or prosecutions, and has not taken measures to reduce demand for commercial sex acts in the Republic of
the Congo (2008)
