The Research Directorate was unable to find the name of the Secreatry-General of UPADS in 1991 and 1992 in the sources consulted.

However, the following information may be of general interest.

According to several sources, Victor Tamba-Tamba was named Secretary-General of UPADS in February 1996 by President Pascal Lissouba, to succeed Christophe Moukoueke (Political Handbook of the World: 1998 1998, 221; Africa No. 1 11 Feb. 1996; AFP 8 Feb. 1996; Africa Research Bulletin 28 Mar. 1996, 12161). Christophe Moukoueke had been occupying the position since June 1993 (ibid.; AFP 8 Feb. 1996).

However, articles published in 1997, as well as the 1998 edition of the Europa World Yearbook, refer to Christophe Moukoueke as the Secreatry-General of UPADS (Africa No. 1 9 Feb. 1997; AFT 19 Sept. 1997; ibid. July 1997, Europa 1998 1998, 1022) and Victor Tamba-Tamba as Minister of State for Transport and Aviation (AFP 14 Sept. 1997; Europa 1997 1997, 971).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of other additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 19 September 1997. "Heavy Arms Fire Rocks Battered Congo Capital." (NEXIS)

_____. 14 September 1997. "Revoici corrigé : Composition du nouveau gouvernement congolais." (NEXIS)

_____. 13 July 1997. "Lissouba PMS Say Elections Should Not Be On Peace Talks Agenda." (NEXIS)

_____. 8 February 1996. "Congo : Lissouba Appoints UPADS Official To Head Presidential Group." (NEXIS)

Africa No. 1.[Libreville, en français]. 9 February 1997. "Ruling UPADS Rejects Independent Electoral Commission." (BBC Summary 12 February 1997/NEXIS)

_____. 11 February 1996. "Congo : Presidential Group Chairman Installed 10 Feb" (FBIS-AFR-96-030/WNC)

Africa Research Bulletin [London]. 28 March 1996. Vol. 33, No. 2. "In Brief : Congo."

The Europa World Year Book 1998. 1998. Vol. 1. London : Europa Publications.

_____. 1997. 1997. Vol. 1. London : Europa Publications.

Political Handbook of the World: 1998. 1998. Edited by Arthur S. Banks. Binghamton, NY: CSA Publications.

Electronic sources: IRB databases, Global News Bank, LEXIS/NEXIS, Internet, World News Connection (WNC).