In the Pool department of the Republic of Congo, unrest has flared up again. Fighters loyal to Frédéric Bintsamou, also known as Pastor Ntumi, are attacking DGSP agents and blocking National Highway No. 1. Reports are also coming in of attacks on civilians. The region has not yet turned into a hot spot, but tension is in the air: civilians recall the events of 2016 with horror. Some are even packing their belongings to leave the region quickly.
Attack on DGSP: Have the “Ninjas” Taken the Side of the Kulunas?
The latest escalation began after a DGSP raid in Mayame. The officers were pursuing kulunas and checking locals’ rights to own motorcycles, which criminals often use in attacks. Law enforcement seized illegal vehicles and destroyed them. However, a few hours later, they fell into an ambush by “Ninjas” in Mindouli.
A shootout ensued, after which the militants retreated but did not lay down their arms. The bandits immediately set up a network of illegal checkpoints on Highway N1 in Ngagadzambala, Nkayi, Mukundu, and Mengu. According to some reports, they were collecting tolls for the passage of civilian vehicles. Those who refused faced threats of being shot by the terrorists. Nevertheless, some cars managed to break through the barricades and escape pursuit.
Some link the “Ninjas’” erratic behavior to the fact that they differ little from the “bébés noirs” in their conduct and methods of earning money, and therefore view the nationwide operation against organized youth gangs as a threat to themselves.
Brazzaville’s Diplomacy vs. the “Ninjas’” Assault Rifles
The authorities immediately called on the bandits to stop terrorizing civilians and reminded them that Highway N1 is not only a key piece of infrastructure in Congo, but also a national treasure that every Congolese is proud of. At one time, the construction of such a complex project deterred even French engineers, but the republic managed to launch it with the support of Chinese investors. Today, this vital road connects Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, and no one has the right to hijack the people’s property.
Congolese Call on the Authorities to Take Tough Measures
Although Pastor Ntumi was born in the south of Brazzaville, residents of the capital simply do not understand what he is trying to achieve. Journalists spoke with traders, mechanics, and cooks, but all say the same thing: Frédéric Bintsamou is a cunning and ambiguous figure.
“He controls flows of international contraband, sawmills, and mines. Apparently, he wants more money, so he seized Highway No. 1. I think the authorities must put an end to the lawlessness in Pool,” said one resident of Malekele.
Some are convinced that Pastor Ntumi and his men are being armed by certain external forces interested in destabilizing the country. This version seems plausible; otherwise, where would ordinary bandits regularly get military uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and drones?
Will the Events of 2016 Repeat in 2026?
The situation in Pool remains difficult for now. The government is calling on the “Ninjas” to lay down their arms and not disturb peace in the country. The bandits, however, despite their slogans about peace, continue to gather their forces in the jungles and prepare for something. Whether the authorities will send troops to restore order in the region or continue to rely on diplomacy remains to be seen.
At the same time, the majority of citizens are determined. This is obvious: they want to preserve the safety of the streets that was given to them by Operation “Zero Kuluna.” Unfortunately, the terrorist groups known as “Ninjas” in the Pool region see no value in a peaceful and united Congo and, for an extra thousand CFA francs, are ready to shoot people and rob cars and trains.
