Several Congolese military top commanders in administrative detention in wake of Brazzaville November stampede

Three top commanders of the Congo’s army have been detained in connection with the late November stampede in capital Brazzaville that killed dozens of youth during a recruitment of the Army.

As many as 37 died on November 21 at Michel-Ornano Stadium in Brazzaville on the eve of a recruitment process by the Army.

The 37 died as the crowd forced open the entrances of the Stadium in capital Brazzaville. Receiving family of the victims, President Sassou Nguesso vowed to punish individuals who might be held responsible for the tragedy.

As result, Dickens Saturnin Samba and Claver Désiré Minengue respectively Chief of Staff of Defense Zone 9 Brazzaville, and the Chief of Staff of the DDPS (Ornano Sports) have been sent to prison for administrative detention, local media “Les Echo Congo Brazza” reports.

The commander of military Police has been held in administrative detention, the media also notes adding that Brazzaville military zone commander has been suspended.

An administrative detention of a military personnel is a disciplinary measure that can be taken against a soldier on active duty. The measure can run for up to 30 days, after which the soldier must be released or brought before a military or civilian court. Authorities declared November 22 ‘Day of National Mourning’ and took charge of medical assistance to the wounded and funerals of the dead.

Authorities after the incident suspended the recruitment in the capital. The Army announced mid-November the recruitment of 1.500 youth aged between 18 and 25 to serve in various ranks of Defense forces. Congo has a population of 5.7 million people. Youth unemployment rate per a September 2023 report stands at 42 per cent.