CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE | WEEKLY NEWS
by Brutte-M. Balou, Congo-Brazza, September 1998
THEME = SOCIAL ACTION
Rebuilding houses, clearing the city of mines, chasing away
robbers, making people feel safe...
Brazzaville, which was destroyed by violent fighting, is doing its best
to return to what it was before the civil war
"We are determined to rebuild the country, with the help of all its sons and daughters and with the understanding and assistance of the international community," said President Denis Nguesso at his inauguration as President, on 25 October 1997.
Considerable efforts have been made. For example, in security matters, the Home Minister and the national police have worked out a plan to reinforce public security and prevent acts of reprisal and vandalism. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has organised neighbourhood policing and established 19 local police stations throughout the capital. A CID officer puts it this way: "The civil war ended on 15 October 1997, but the fight against crime and specifically against gangs of youths who got hold of weapons during the civil war, has only just begun". He says the city police force has worked out a system of community policing.
Thanks to efforts made by the police, Brazzaville is now a much safer place to live in, so civil servants who worked in former president Pascal Lissouba's administration have left their forest hideouts and gradually returned to their duties. One of them said: "I was afraid of being kidnapped or killed. When I got back home, I saw the security situation is much better, even if hold-ups are reported here and there, which obviously frightens people. I had no problem in getting back on the job and, in a few days, my whole family will be with me".
In January, students were glad to receive a scholarship to cover their immediate expenses so they could resume their studies. Many of them returned to the university campus and hope to make up for lost time. The former regime didn't hold the students in high esteem. A student in his third year of studies for a BA, puts it this way: "Some of our colleagues finished their university education without receiving any of the rights they were entitled to; others simply had to drop out for want of support; and yet, we all represent our families' hopes".
Brazzaville is returning to its former pre-war atmosphere. Reconstruction is the "in word". The people have got going without waiting for any state compensation. Almost everywhere, you see people busy with repairs. In spite of unhealthy surroundings and completely ransacked houses, owners have started repairing parts of houses and repainting the walls. We lost everything, but that doesn't mean we can't continue with the business of living. We must rebuild. But concrete is very expensive and that hampers us a lot", complained one of the victims.
At the same time, the price of basic goods has rocketed. The government tries to check this by reducing taxes on goods for Brazzaville, but it's not easy.
Life has returned to normal along the streets of Poto-Poto, Moungali, Plateau and Moukondo wards, where most of the fighting took place. The security situation is such that roadside saleswomen, shops and supermarkets are no longer afraid to stay open late at night. However, some market stalls still remain empty. One police officer says: "We're hopeful that we'll soon be able to cope with all the problems facing people. We invite the population to cooperate in our arms' amnesty (the "Dove" project) and hand in all their weapons. We appeal to the population to let us know when a crime has been committed and if possible, who is responsible".
The public health situation gives cause for concern. People are increasingly exposed to infectious epidemics. But international organisations are helping us. For example, when it came to vaccinating children against childhood diseases UNICEF responded to our call for help. In February-March 1998, a vaccination campaign against measles was organised for all children aged 9-59 months.
Brazzaville municipality and several NGOs have also risen to the occasion. Public health programmes are gradually being introduced. Since 9 August 1998, the army has progressively been clearing the city of mines (Brazzaville is still riddled with mines) which, if they explode, play havoc among the people. The clearing operation started immediately after President Sassou's inauguration. Antipersonnel mines had been concealed in most public buildings: (ministries, financial institutions, etc.). A senior army officer who took part in the clearing operation, explained: "We had to act quickly, and with the help of the French army, organised a major mine-clearing operation. Before people returned to work we had to be absolutely certain the buildings were safe so that "normal activities could be resumed"".
And so, life begins again...
END
CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE | WEEKLY NEWS
PeaceLink 1998 - Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgement