Republic of the Congo: Renewed fighting in Brazzaville
23-12-1998 News Release 98/51
The ICRC team in Brazzaville, which comprises 63 Congolese and seven expatriate staff, is closely monitoring the humanitarian situation following the renewed outbreak of fighting in the Pool region and parts of the capital. Scores of inhabitants have left their homes and are once again seeking safety and shelter. Some have fled the city to join relatives, while others have gathered in centres opened to accommodate the displaced. The ICRC is providing the health posts in these centres with medicines and water.
On 21 December, the ICRC flew in two loads of urgently needed medical supplies. These include hospital kits and sets of sutures and other dressing materials to treat the wounded who have been arriving in Brazzaville's hospitals. Volunteers of the Congolese Red Cross, working with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which has 12 Congolese staff and two expatriates on the spot, are providing first aid and transporting the wounded to hospital.
The ICRC has managed to ensure that all stocks, including those of other humanitarian organizations that have temporarily left the capital, are available for distribution by Red Cross personnel as needed.