Mindouli incident in Pool draws political attention
An armed altercation was reported recently in Mindouli, in the Pool department, involving soldiers from the Directorate-General for Presidential Security (DGSP) and the Ninja-Ntsilulus associated with Frédéric Bintsamou, also known as Pastor Ntumi. The episode, occurring in a locality that has previously carried the burden of insecurity, has rapidly become a subject of political discussion as the country approaches the presidential election scheduled for March.
PCT-Brazzaville meeting highlights new leadership after party congress
The incident was discussed during a meeting convened on January 13 by the Brazzaville federation of the Congolese Labour Party (PCT). The gathering was also intended to salute Faustin Elenga and Théophane Adoua, elected to the permanent secretariat following the party’s 6th ordinary congress. In that setting, the federation publicly commended what it described as the government’s promptness in reacting to the Mindouli situation.
Faustin Elenga warns against renewed violence ahead of March vote
Speaking on the matter, Faustin Elenga, elected permanent secretary in charge of organisation and mobilisation, voiced concern over what he framed as a resurgence of violence in Pool. He argued that such developments threaten the climate of peace and stability at a time when the country is entering the final stretch before the March presidential election. His remarks sought to place the episode within a broader imperative: safeguarding public order and ensuring a calm environment for the electoral process.
PCT reiterates support for government peace and security efforts
Elenga reaffirmed the PCT’s “fervent support” for the government, which he said remains determined to preserve and consolidate peace throughout the national territory. He explicitly extended support to the government of the Republic and to President Denis Sassou N’Guesso, presenting the security response as an operation aimed at protecting citizens and maintaining the authority of the state. In his words, the objective is to push back against those described as “outlaws” and to prevent disorder from taking root.
Rule of law argument: Pool treated like any other department
Beyond political endorsement, Elenga argued that the incident occurred in the context of enforcing the laws and regulations of the Republic. He insisted that Pool, as a department like any other, must be subject to the same legal rigour. To illustrate this point, he referred to security actions in Brazzaville and other localities where hundreds of motorcycles deemed non-compliant and attributed to “outlaws” had been burned by security services. He questioned why similar rules should not apply in Pool, stressing that the department should not be treated as “a state within a state.”
National unity message and mobilisation for the presidential election
Elenga’s intervention also carried a strong message of national unity. He emphasised that Congo is “one and indivisible,” and declared that the PCT would no longer accept bloodshed or the loss of citizens’ lives. In this framing, continued party support for government action was presented as a commitment to peace and public safety. Turning to internal party matters, he expressed gratitude to the Head of State for his own election and that of Théophile Adoua, appointed permanent secretary for training and documentation. He also welcomed the election of Anatole Collinet Makosso to lead a permanent commission, before calling on PCT members in Brazzaville to mobilise broadly for the March presidential election.
