Security Overview for Congo

A March 2003 cease-fire finally brought an end to civil war in the Republic of Congo and significantly reduced rebel activity and clashes between rebels and the army. Measures have been put in place to disarm and integrate former rebels into the national army, but there are still small arms in circulation in the country, especially in the Pool region.

The largest group of rebels, known as the Ninjas, supported Reverend Frederic Bitsangou (alias Pasteur Ntoumi) operated primarily in the Pool region, southwest of the capital.

Crime is steadily increasing due to economic instability. Criminals favor areas frequented by travelers and are involved in armed robberies, pickpocketing, and other theft. Violent crimes such as carjacking and violent assault are also increasing but are not as prevalent in Congo as they are in some of the neighboring countries in southern Africa.

Avoid traveling by road outside of Brazzaville. Although road traffic has resumed in the Pool region, in the past armed rebel groups operated along rural roads looking for targets of opportunity that might provide them with supplies, food, etc. Checkpoints manned by undisciplined soldiers exist in many areas of the country.

Travel within Brazzaville via private vehicle and a professional driver or trusted associate. Avoid train travel. Army soldiers carrying false credentials have been known to extort money from train passengers. Before the cease-fire took effect rebels frequently attacked the railroad linking Brazzaville with Pointe-Noire. Air travel between domestic destinations is a more secure option. Avoid any travel after dark in Congo, except for international air travel departing from Congo. Plan to arrive in Congo during daylight hours. Roadblocks are often poorly marked and armed soldiers may attempt to extort bribes from foreigners.

Political tensions have eased since March 2002 when opposition political parties, accusing President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of vote rigging, boycotted the elections. Labor organizations, student rights groups, and political opposition parties occasionally stage demonstrations and rallies in Brazzaville. Incidents of civil unrest are usually quelled rapidly by police intervention.

There is no known international terrorism in Congo, but the presence of armed rebel groups is a significant threat to travelers.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.