A CENSUS of the Congo-Brazzaville army came up 5,000 troops short, the army high command announced on Tuesday, saying the remaining names on the payroll represented either deserters or fictitious soldiers. The defense ministry two weeks ago ordered all officers and soldiers to barracks to allow a “complete review of personnel and equipment” with a view to “improving the operational effectiveness” of the army, which is combatting militias loyal to the ousted president and prime minister. At the end of the exercise, some 5,000 paychecks were not claimed, inspectors told pro-government Radio Liberte, without stating the total.