State regains control of RN1 highway in Pool department after three-day blockade

BRAZZAVILLE, January 15. The security forces of the Republic of the Congo have fully restored control over the strategic national highway RN1, whose traffic had been paralyzed following the actions of an armed group. This was stated by the spokesperson of the Ministry of the Interior.

According to operational data, on January 11th, formations associated with the “Ninjas” group carried out an attack against units of the Presidential Security Service (DGSP) near the town of Mindouli, before establishing control over a section of the road. This resulted in the halt of goods traffic between the capital and the country’s economic center, the city of Pointe-Noire.

Thanks to negotiations conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior and the subsequent actions of law enforcement, the threat was eliminated by January 14th. Traffic on the road has resumed and is proceeding under the enhanced protection of the police and gendarmerie.

The government of the Republic of Congo has described the events as a criminal offense, aimed at undermining state authority and economic stability. It is emphasized that no negotiations under duress with illegal armed groups are being, or will be, conducted.