1st LD Writethru: Several police stations ransacked by ex-militia in Brazzaville: minister

Republic of Congo's Media and Communication Minister Thierry Lezin Moungalla said on Monday that several police stations had been ransacked by ex-ninjas militia in the southern suburbs of the capital, Brazzaville.

"On Monday, at around 3:00 a.m., ex-militia of Ninja Nsiloulou entered southern Brazzaville through Mayanga locality. They attacked Mayanga military camp, as well as Djoue police station and Makelekele police station. They also attacked other police stations in Lemina and Kinsoundi. All the buildings, in addition to Makelekele town hall, were razed down in what appears to be a terrorist attack," Moungalla said when he spoke on national radio.

The assailants committed serious abuses on the civilian population, whom they prevented from getting out of their homes, he said, adding that the situation is now under control by the country's security forces.

"It should be noted that this attack is related to the March 20, 2016 presidential elections, a very important moment for our peaceful democracy, for which our people are still awaiting the publication of the final results by the Constitutional Court," the minister said.

"At the moment, the government does not have evidence of those behind the attack," he said, reiterating that "the government had taken control of the affected regions and people should remain peaceful as they go on with their work."

No death toll was given by Moungalla.

Heavy gunshots were heard early Monday morning in the south of the Congolese capital.

The situation in Brazzaville seems to have calmed, especially in the southern suburbs where security forces clashed with the Ninjas militia who were initially led by ex-rebel leader Pastor Ntoumi. Endit