/ 7 March 1999

GOVT ARMY IN BRAZZAVILLE’S OUTSKIRTS

THE army in Congo announced on Friday its recapture of the Nganga-Lingolo district from rebels just south of Brazzaville, thereby completing its control of the capital’s outskirts.Forty-two Ninja militiamen, who backed former prime minister Bernard Kolelas ousted in a 1997 civil war, were killed and many wounded in the fighting.The Ninjas have been fighting government troops since December and at least 1000 people have been killed as a result, according to official figures and estimates.Five regular soldiers were injured in the latest clashes, the national radio said.The victory granted the army control of the road leading to Mbandza-Ndounga, the Ninja’s main base around 50km southeast of Brazzaville.