17 killed in recent fighting in Republic of Congo

Republic of Congo government announced on Tuesday that a total of 17 people were killed in the fighting that broke out on Monday morning in the southern parts of the capital, Brazzaville.

"Seventeen people died, among them three security officers, two civilians and 12 assailants. Six police officers as well as several civilians were injured," Government Spokesman Thierry Lezin Moungalla said.

In addition, he said, six police stations, two customs posts and water as well as forestry offices were burnt down.

Private homes and vehicles were ransacked and burnt down, he said, adding that assailants identified as members of Ninja militias led by ex-rebel leader Frederic Bintsamou alias Pastor Ntumi also carried away some weapons.

"Documents in our possession clearly show that the assailants were former Ninja militias who are under Ntumi. The intelligence gathered directly implicates him in the events that occurred on Monday," the government spokesman said.

At the same time, the police have announced that 54 people, some of them of foreign nationality, were arrested among the assailants who attacked several police stations in Brazzaville with heavy weapons.

Moungalla who assured members of the public that the situation is under control, said the government had launched investigations to identify all those involved so that they can be prosecuted. Endit