CONGO’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso has lashed out at the “mafia system” that operates in the economic capital and oil terminal, Pointe Noire, declaring war against systematic corruption. “In this system, businessmen corrupt customs officials, policemen and tax inspectors so as not to have to pay their taxes, whilst magistrates deliberately give rulings contrary to the state’s interests,” Sassou Nguesso said in a meeting with local business leaders heads of business on Thursday. Sassou Nguesso did not say exactly how much money the state loses from corruption. Current figures for total customs taxes collected in Congo stand at $11-billion per month.