UA 391/93 - Congo: fear of extrajudicial execution: at least 15 people killed and dozens injured
There is grave concern at reports that at least 15 people were killed and 100 seriously injured by government troops, after fighting broke out between security forces and armed opposition supporters in Brazzaville on 3 November. There are fears that some of those killed may have been extrajudicially executed. The fighting broke out when government forces moved into the Bacongo suburb of Brazzaville following the kidnap and subsequent release of two civil servants by armed opposition supporters. The security forces used automatic and heavy weapons, including rockets, in an apparently indiscriminate use of lethal force, in which many houses were destroyed or damaged. Five members of the security forces were also killed by opposition gunmen.
EXTERNAL (for general distribution) AI Index: AFR 22/03/93
Distr: UA/SC
UA 391/93 Fear of extrajudicial execution 4 November 1993
CONGO At least 15 people killed and dozens injured
Amnesty International is gravely concerned at reports that at least 15 and
possibly many more people were killed by government troops after fighting broke
out between government security forces and armed opposition supporters in the
capital, Brazzaville, on 3 November 1993. Amnesty International fears that
some of those killed may have been executed extrajudicially. The organization
is appealing to the government to take immediate steps to prevent extrajudicial
executions and the unlawful use of lethal force. Amnesty International is also
gravely concerned at reports of killings by opposition groups.
The fighting reportedly broke out when government forces moved into the Bacongo
suburb of Brazzaville where a clandestine opposition radio station began
broadcasting on 31 October. The violence was sparked off by the kidnap on
1 November of two pro-government civil servants by armed opposition supporters
demanding the release of two of their members arrested for illegally acquiring
arms. The two civil servants were released on 2 November after the government
issued an ultimatum.
On 3 November the security forces attacked the Bacongo opposition stronghold,
ostensibly to seize weapons used by the opposition to attack members of the
security forces and government supporters. At least 15 people were killed
and 100 seriously injured, in circumstances which remain unclear. The security
forces used automatic and heavy weapons, including rockets, in an apparently
indiscriminate use of lethal force, in which many houses were destroyed or
damaged. Five members of the security forces were also killed by opposition
gunmen. Sporadic shooting was still being reported on 4 November.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Political violence broke out in Brazzaville in June 1993 when the second round
of voting in parliamentary elections was declared invalid by the opposition.
At least 30 people were killed in the disturbances which followed. Human
rights abuses were known to have been carried out by both government security
forces and opposition supporters, many of whom were armed. In July, armed
opposition supporters rampaged through Brazzaville ransacking homes and
attacking supporters of President Pascal Lissouba.
An internationally-brokered agreement in August halted the disturbances. The
second round of voting, which the opposition had boycotted in June due to alleged
irregularities in the first round, went ahead in October with the government
retaining a majority. Investigations into the first round of voting are still
incomplete. Under the terms of the August peace agreement all armed civilians
were to be disarmed. However, the recommendations of the agreement are not
known to have been implemented and armed opposition militias appear to be
2
continuing to operate.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams, telexes and airmail letters either
in French or in your own language:
- expressing concern at reports of indiscriminate and unlawful use of lethal
force, including heavy weapons, by the security forces leading to the killing
of more that 15 people and the wounding of many more;
- also condemning killings committed by opposition groups;
- urging the authorities to take immediate steps to prevent extrajudicial
execution or the unlawful use of lethal force;
- urging the government to set up an independent and impartial commission of
inquiry into the violence, to investigate whether there was unlawful use of
lethal force by the security forces and to ensure that those found responsible
for unlawful killings are brought to justice. The accountability of the security
forces is not diminished by the fact that opposition groups commit similar
acts;
APPEALS TO:
1) The President
Son Excellence
Monsieur Pascal LISSOUBA
Président de la République
Présidence de la République
BP 2006, BRAZZAVILLE, République du Congo
Telegrams: President Lissouba, Brazzaville, Congo
Telexes: 5210 KG, 5287 KG, 5519 KG
Salutation: Monsieur le Président de la République / Dear President
2) Prime Minister
Général Jacques Joachim YHOMBI-OPANGO
Premier Ministre et chef du gouvernement
Bureau du Premier Ministre
BP 2096, BRAZZAVILLE, République du Congo
Telegrams: Premier Ministre Yhomi-Opango, Brazzaville, Congo
Telexes: 5210 KG, 5287 KG, 5519 KG
Salutation: Monsieur le Premier Ministre / Dear Prime Minister
3) Chief of Defence Staff
Général Marcel ETA-ONKA
Chef de l'Etat Major des forces armées
Etat major des forces armées
Ministère de la Défense
BRAZZAVILLE, République du Congo
Telegrams: Chef de l'Etat Major des forces armées Eta-Onka, Brazzaville, Congo
Telexes: 5434 MIN DF, 5406 KG, 5414 KG, 5453 KG
Salutation: Monsieur le Chef de l'Etat Major / Dear Chief of Defence Staff
COPIES OF YOUR APPEALS TO:
1) Minister of Justice
Monsieur André MATSIKA
Ministre d'Etat, président du Comité de la Législation
Comité de la Législation
BRAZZAVILLE, République du Congo
2) Rédacteur en chef
3
La Semaine Africaine (newspaper)
BP 2080, BRAZZAVILLE, République du Congo
3) Human rights league
Monsieur Norbert LAMINI
Comité nationale des droits de l'homme
BP 900, BRAZZAVILLE, République du Congo
and to diplomatic representatives of the Republic of Congo accredited to your
country
PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat,
or your section office, if sending appeals after 16 December 1993.