Signs of tension ahead of 12 July presidential elections. Constitutional Court 19 June barred 4 opposition candidates, including former PM Poungui, from contesting elections for failure to meet constitutional conditions on age and residency. Thousands rallied in Brazzaville to protest ruling 20 June; leader of main opposition party, Pascal Tsaty Mabiala, accused govt of failure to prepare for polls. President Nguesso will stand with 13 others.

Tension over rebel chief Frédéric Bitsangou’s (aka Pasteur Ntumi) September failure to take up government post continued. Hardliners in presidential circles reportedly preparing military offensive against him. President Sassou Nguesso set 31 December deadline for Ntumi and followers to disarm and assemble in Brazzaville.

Government forces and ex-Ninja rebels clashed when leader Frederic Bitsangou, due to begin role in charge of promotion of peace and post-conflict reconstruction, failed to appear in Brazzaville to fill post 10 September. Negotiations between Bitsangou and government continued despite unconfirmed reports of fatalities in clash.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s Parti Congolais du Travail won landslide in parliamentary elections: 124 of 135 seats.

First-round legislative election vote marred by delays, logistical problems and protests 24 June. 40 parties boycotted polls but main opposition participated. Second round vote 22 July.

April peace agreement between former rebel group Conseil National de Résistance (CNR) and government potentially destabilised as CNR criticised government’s decision to change post offered to leader Frédéric Bintsangou. President Nguesso stated CNR must disarm its militia and hand in weapons before it could be considered genuine political organisation.

African heads of state chose ROC as 2006 African Union chair following controversy over Sudan’s bid for leadership. Security situation in Pool region worsened due to spate of attacks by “Ninja” rebels, forcing Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières to suspend operations.

Former PM Kolelas, in exile since 1997, given amnesty for 2001 war crimes death sentence.

Clashes between security forces and former “Ninja” rebels killed at least 9 in Brazzaville’s Bacongo district. Fighting coincided with, but not connected to, visit by exiled former PM Bernard Kolelas.

Disarmament and reintegration program proceeding slowly – estimated 37,000 former fighters yet to be reintegrated, and some 42,000 small arms still in circulation.