The term "Nibolek" is an acronym formed from the first syllables of the names of the three regions (Niari, Bouenza and Lekoumou) located between the Atlantic coast and the Pool region in the southwestern part of the country (Oxfam Emergency Bulletin Dec. 1999; United Nations 19 Aug. 1999; Mondes rebelles 1996, 409). However, since the 1990s, it has become [translation] "a new ethnic and regional concept that includes most of the supporters of former president Pascal Lissouba" (ibid.). These three regions are inhabited mainly by the Nzabi, Pounou, Téké (Bateke), Kongo, Bembé (Babembé) and Zambi ethnic groups, and Pascal Lissouba himself is from this area (ibid.).

No recent information on the specific treatment of members of these ethnic groups by the current government could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

However, a report published on 19 August 1999 by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates that the situation in the Pool and Nibolek regions was deplorable (United Nations 19 Aug. 1999). The report adds that in Nibolek alone, the number of displaced persons had risen to 50,000, and that no humanitarian organizations or religious communities had access to this population (ibid.). An article published in March 2000 estimated that over 400,000 people had left the forests of Pool, Bouenza, Niari and Lekoumou, where the rebels have put down their weapons and surrendered to the government forces (IPS 16 Mar. 2000). Most seized the opportunity presented by the signing of two ceasefire agreements to return home (ibid.).

Indeed, sources report on peace agreements signed in December 1999 and January 2000 between forces loyal to Sassou-Nguesso (from the north) and the Ninjas and Cocoyes (militia groups from the south) (AI 2000; IRIN 26 July 2000; Africa Research Bulletin 24 Feb. 2000; BBC 11 Aug. 2000; ibid. 6 Aug. 2000). The agreements, which are still in effect (ibid.; ibid. 11 Aug. 2000), provide not only for a ceasefire, but also for the integration of militia members into the regular army, an amnesty for their leaders and a national dialogue aimed at reconciliation (IRIN 26 July 2000; Africa Research Bulletin 24 Feb. 2000).

However, a report published on 26 July 2000 by the United Nations' Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) indicates that some militias remain entrenched in certain regions, such as those in the northern part of Lekoumou province, and that their leaders are refusing to return to Brazzaville, as the government wishes (26 July 2000).

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 additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Africa Research Bulletin [London]. 24 February 2000. "Congo: New Truce."

Amnesty International (AI). 2000. "Congo." Annual Report 2000. http://www.web.amnesty.org/web/ar2000web.nsf/countries/ [Accessed 22 Aug. 2000]

BBC. 11 August 2000. "Congo Brazzaville's 'Peace Train'." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/875106.stm [Accessed 22 Aug. 2000]

_____. 6 August 2000. "Congo's Glimmer of Hope." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/867863.stm [Accessed 22 Aug. 2000]

Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN). 26 July 2000. "Republic of Congo: IRIN News Briefs: Limited Progress on Demobilising Militia." http://www.reliefweb.int/ [Accessed 24 Aug. 2000]

Inter Press Service (IPS). 16 March 2000. Lyne Mikangou. "Politics-Congo: Militia Members Seek Rehabilitation After War." (NEXIS)

Mondes rebelles : acteurs, conflits et violences politiques. 1996. Tome I. Jean-Marc Balancie and Arnaud de La Grange. Paris: Éditions Michalon.

Oxfam Emergency Bulletin. December 1999. "Country Profile: Republic of Congo-Congo Brazzaville." http://www.oxfam.org.uk/atwork/emerg/bulletin/dec99/congo.htm [Accessed 22 Aug. 2000]

United Nations. 16 August 1999. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "Affected Populations in the Great Lakes Region (Displaced-Refugees)." http://www.reliefweb.int [Accessed 22 Aug. 2000].

Africa Confidential 1999-February 2000.

L'Autre Afrique 1999-January 2000.

Country Reports 1999. February 2000.

IRB Databases.

Keesing's Record of World Events 1999-2000.

Le Nouvel Afrique-Asie 1999-July 2000.

LEXIS/NEXIS.

REFWORLD.

Resource Centre country file. Republic of Congo. 1999-August 2000.

West Africa 1999-2000.

World News Connection (WNC).

Internet sites including:

Amnesty International Online.

Human Rights Watch Online.

International Crisis Group (ICG).

Minorities at Risk Project.

Missionary Service News Agency (MISNA).

ReliefWeb.