« Back to Provision

Cease Fire – 2002

Rebel forces were still in control of the town of Vindza in the Pool region in 2002, but the government recaptured the town of Kimba from the rebel groups.¹ In April 2002, the rebels had captured and took an army general hostage, which preluded a distinctive conflict beginning in June 2002.² The Ntsiloulous faction was fighting for their role in the army and in political decisions. As tensions grew, the rebels attacked the capital city, Brazzaville, which was the first such attack in the capital since the conflict restarted.³ The attack on Brazzaville was dubbed a terrorist act by President Denis Sassou-Nguesso.⁴ In November 2002, the President gave a month for rebels to surrender.⁵ Along with the Ntsiloulou group, their leader, Ntoumi, maintained hold of the Pool region with some 1,500 combatants. In late March 2002, fighting re-erupted between Ntsiloulou fighters and the government troops.

1. “Government forces recapture southern Republic of Congo town, reports say,” Associated Press, May 23, 2002.

2. “Republic of Congo’s ‘Ninja’ rebels take general hostage; Catholic priest missing,” Associated Press, April 6, 2002.
3. “Gunfire breaks out in capital of Republic of Congo,” Associated Press, June 14, 2002.
4. “President says rebel attack on the Republic of Congo’s capital was terrorist act.” Associated Press, June 19, 2002.
5. “Republic of Congo president gives Ninja rebels one month to lay down arms.” Associated Press, November 19, 2002.