Warring Factions in Republic of Congo Seek Summit

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo —  Representatives of warring factions increased their efforts Saturday to arrange a summit between their leaders, amid fears that France’s upcoming military pullout could spark fighting for control of the airport.

France has said it will end its mission to evacuate foreigners today and begin withdrawing its 1,200 soldiers from Brazzaville, which has been devastated by fighting between forces loyal to President Pascal Lissouba and militia leader Gen. Denis Sassou-Nguesso.

On Saturday, occasional rocket blasts and bursts of gunfire served as reminders that a three-day truce had not ended hostilities, though it had sharply reduced the violence.

Representatives of Lissouba and Sassou-Nguesso met Saturday and agreed to send delegations to Libreville, Gabon, on Monday to try to prepare the groundwork for a summit, which Gabonese President Omar Bongo has offered to host.

“It is perhaps a little early at this point to bring the principals into direct negotiations,” said U.S. Ambassador Aubrey Hooks, who attended Saturday’s talks, explaining why no summit was announced.

The warring leaders’ years-old rivalry exploded in violence June 5 after Lissouba sent government forces to disarm Sassou-Nguesso’s private “Cobra” militia.

Lissouba said he acted to avert violence before the July presidential election, in which both men are candidates; Sassou-Nguesso said Lissouba was trying to spark clashes to have an excuse to delay the vote and retain power.