CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE) HANDBOOK

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 32
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 5, 2002
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: February 1, 1972
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A00)400060001-5
Secret
Conao (Brazzaville)
landbook
Secret
N2 92
No. 0620
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
WARNING
This document contains information affecting the national
defense of the United States, within the meaning of Title
18, sections 793 and 794, of the US Code, as amended.
Its transmission or revelation of its contents to or re-
ceipt by an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
GRCUP l ____ I
ciuded from auromauel
c rtoWr:groding and
dxia>=fication
 Approved For Release 2002/07/ X79-00891A001100060001-5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. GEOGRAPHY
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Natural resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Human resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
II. ECONOMIC BACKGROUND
Income distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Status of agriculture, mining and industry . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Transportation and communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Government economic policy and financial systems . . . . . . . 2
Foreign trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Balance of payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Growth rates and trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
III. POLITICAL SITUATION AND TRENDS
Historical summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Political dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Governmental system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Page
25X1
IV. SUBVERSION
Foreign activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Communist party and front groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Internal dissidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Exile groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Popular discontent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Congo (B)
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/1~iECIR- 79-00891 A001100060001-5
VI. ARMED FORCES
Organization and manpower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Equipment and logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Military budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Military aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
VII. FOREIGN RELATIONS
Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Western countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Communist countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
VIII. US INTERESTS
25X1
Congo (B)
25X1
SECRE'I`
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 :7b-00891 A001100060001-5
F7 I
The People's Republic of the Congo, known as Congo (Brazzaville), is
politically the most turbulent and radical of the equatorial African countries
that received independence from France in 1960. Tribal, regional, personal,
and ideological differences split Brazzaville's leaders into numerous mutually
antagonistic factions that engage in constant political infighting at the
expense of national development. Since 1960, the Congo's two "revolu-
tionary" regimes have opted for radical nationalism, reflecting the generally
leftist orientation of the leadership elite. Despite its Marxist rhetoric, how-
ever, Brazzaville on the whole has eschewed any radical social or economic
restructuring in favor of maintaining its dependency on French aid and
private investment.
Most of the Congo's 953,000 inhabitants are rural and tradition-bound.
The Congolese are divided into 15 ethnic groups and 75 individual tribes.
Although southern tribes make up over half the population, the present
Ngouabi government is composed of primarily northerners, a source of much
irritation among rival southern tribesmen. Unemployment among semi-
educated youths who have flocked to urban areas is another important
element of popular discontent.
The Congolese economy is predominantly agricultural with subsistence
food production contributing the bulk of output. There are no sizable
known mineral reserves, other than potash, and no major industries. There-
fore, the country is excessively dependent on imported goods, which,
coupled with an under-developed export agricultural sector, produces a
chronic trade imbalance. Forest products, sugar, industrial diamonds smug-
gled from Zaire, and transit commerce with African neighbors are the
mainstays of income, although the exploitation of potash, now only begin-
ning, promises to increase export values in the long term. The French
dominate commerce, finance, and export-producing enterprises.
Although officially nonaligned, the Congo sides with Communist and
radical African states on most international issues and has close ties with the
People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union, which maintain sizable
diplomatic presences and are the major suppliers of military assistance.
Brazzaville's economic dependence upon French aid, trade, and investment,
however, makes cooperation with France and the French African commu-
nity vital. Relations with the three other members of former French Equa-
torial Africa-Chad, Central African Republic, and Gabon-are reasonably
Congo (B) iii Feb 72
SECRET
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/0 /12 bh%-00891 001100060001-5
good, despite the moderate orientations of these states and their distrust of
the Congo's radicals. Brazzaville's relations with neighboring Zaire have
generally been stormy, with each nation at times supporting subversion of
the other. In June 1970, a reconciliation between the two governments was
effected, but basic antagonisms remain. Brazzaville maintains a policy of
staunch opposition toward white-ruled southern Africa, and gives moral and
limited material support to an Angolan liberation group. Relations with the
United States have been suspended since 1965.
There is no organized insurgency, but a power play by any of the
Congo's competing political factions is an ever-present possibility. Labor,
youth, and tribal groups are other potential candidates for active subversion.
The armed forces, the key factor in the power equilibrium, mirror the
country's social and political divisions and have unpredictable loyalties. For
now, President Ngouabi appears to have the upper hand in the army, and his
supporters hold the key command positions.
Congo (B) iv
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/0 f /12 - WW ~ 001100060001-5
Congo (Brazzaville), located on the west coast of Africa, is bisected by
the equator. This long narrow country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and
Cabinda (an exclave of Portuguese Angola) on the south and east. The north
borders the Central African Republic; Cameroon and Gabon lie to the
northwest.
The Congo's area of approximately 135,000 square miles is about the
same as that of New York, New Jersey, and the New England states
combined. Brazzaville extends about 750 miles northeast to southwest, and
is no more than 350 miles in width. Only 105 miles of the Congo's
2,910-mile perimeter is coastline.
The tropical climate is hot and humid year-round. Daily temperatures
range from 90 degrees F during February through April to the upper 60s in
July and August. Humidity regularly averages 80%, and extensive cloudiness
accompanied by heavy seasonal rainfall is common.
Topography
The terrain in the north and southwest consists of plains covered by
dense tropical forests, swamps, or marshes. Low hills of inter-mixed savanna,
forest, and crops make up the topography of the south and east. The tropical
forests are closely spaced broadleaf evergreen trees up to 150 feet tall with a
dense undergrowth of herbs and vines beneath the canopy. Swamp vegeta-
tion consists of large closely spaced evergreen trees and reeds 5 to 10 feet
high. The savanna is composed of mixed grassy plains, crop lands, and less
luxuriant forests of deciduous trees. The Congo River, which forms the
country's southern and eastern border, is the major waterway, although
dozens of smaller rivers and streams empty into it.
Agricultural resources and forestry products are the Congo's most
valuable known assets. Nearly one third of the land is cultivable, although
Congo (B) Feb 72
SECRET
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2 I 7f%111f% 08
- 91AO01100060001-5
only 2% is presently farmed. The main cash crops are sugar, peanuts, rice,
and coffee. Wood and wood products account for over 70% of the value of
exports, and there are still sizable reserves of unexploited forests. There are
relatively large and rich potash deposits, smaller reserves of coal and iron ore,
and limited offshore supplies of oil.
The Congo's population was estimated at 962,000 as of 1 January
1972. The growth rate averages about 2% per year, although the urban
growth rate is substantially higher-perhaps 6%. The population is predom-
inantly young and unskilled. About 40% of all Congolese are under 15 years
of age. The productive working age population is about 40% of the total.
The people are mostly Bantu-speaking Negroids belonging to 15 ethnic
groups subdivided into 75 tribes. The largest ethnic group, the Kongo,
constitutes nearly half of the total population and is located in the heavily
populated and economically developed area from Brazzaville to Pointe
Noire. The Teke constitute 17% of the population and occupy a large
territory north of Brazzaville. Twelve percent are of the M'bochi ethnic
group which inhabits the underpopulated northern territories. Despite the
population's physical similarities, tribal and regional animosities exist and
have an important impact on the country's political stability.
The average density of the Congo is 7 persons per square mile, and the
geographic distribution is very uneven. Large portions of the country are
virtually uninhabitable and support less than one person per square mile. By
contrast, 75% of the population lives in the southwest area from Brazzaville
to Pointe Noire. Sixty percent of the population lives in small, widely
scattered villages, but young people from the country are increasingly
migrating to the cities in search of salaried jobs. Nearly 40% of the popula-
tion now is in the major urban areas, and the proportion is increasing.
Brazzaville, the capital, had over 200,000 residents in 1970. Pointe Noire,
the second largest city, had 100,000 inhabitants in 1970.
Congo (B) 1 -2
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 - - A001100060001-5
1 aul
II. ECONOMIC BACKGROUND
About 40% of the Congolese population, some 360,000 persons, were
estimated to be economically active in 1970. About 60% of this labor force
is engaged in subsistence agriculture. There are only 79,000 wage earners,
many employed in government service. A large part of the money economy
is controlled by Western European interests, and payments abroad reduce
the actual per capita income of wage earners.
Status of agriculture, mining, and industry
Agriculture-Agriculture, including forestry, fisheries, and livestock, is
still the primary sector of the economy. Subsistence food production,
estimated at 600,000 tons, makes up the bulk of agricultural output. Small
farms predominate, but larger enterprises produce commercial crops such as
sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, peanuts, palm oil, and rice. Forest
products presently total more than half the Congo's exports, and forest
exploitation is increasing. There is room for development of livestock and
fishing enterprises, which have been largely neglected to date. With only 2%
of the cultivable land presently being used, agriculture could be expanded
and efficiency increased were the government able to reverse the trend of
population migration away from the rural areas to the cities and educate the
people in modern farming practices.
Mining-Exploitation of potash at Holle, which may in the long run
transform Brazzaville's economic situation, has so far been disappointing
because of extraction problems, equipment wastage, and cost-overruns. With
the discovery of a new oil field off Pointe Noire, crude production could
reach 2 million tons in 1972, despite the near depletion of the Pointe
Indienne field. The small deposits of lead, zinc, tungsten, copper, and gold
are being quickly exhausted, but promising bituminous coal and iron ore
reserves have been found.
Manufacturing and construction-The Congo is the most industrialized
of the former French Equatorial African states, but its manufactures are
limited largely to consumer goods and processed agricultural and forest
products. The major products are beer, soap, cigarettes, and refined sugar. A
textile plant built by Communist China in 1969 produces woven, dyed, and
printed cloth. Industrial expansion in past years has been impressive, growing
as much as 20% per year between 1963 and 1966, but this growth rate is not
Congo (B) Feb 72
25X1
sECREr
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 Approved For Release 200 .S - 01100060001-5 1 /07/12
likely to be sustained in the future unless the government continues to
finance major industrial projects and foreign investment increases (or at least
continues). The construction industry, which presently accounts for 15% of
the GDP, is expanding to meet the needs for urban housing brought on by
population migration to the cities.
Transportation and communications
Transportation and communications are fairly adequate for the Congo's
present needs. The most important communications feature is the combined
route of the 317-mile Congo-Ocean railway from Pointe Noire to Brazzaville
and the Congo and Oubangui rivers from Brazzaville to Bangui in the Central
African Republic. These two routes provide transportation over the length of
the country. A shorter rail line, privately owned and operated, links the
Congo-Ocean railroad at Fauvre to M'binda in the north on the Congo-
Gabon border. This line is used primarily to transport Gabonese manganese
to Pointe Noire for shipping, but also opens up the interior of the Congo to
possible development. Some 4,030 miles of navigable inland waterways and
7,000 miles of road, little of which is paved, permit the transport of goods to
and from the interior. Pointe Noire adequately handles international ship-
ping and receiving requirements and is being expanded to accommodate
projected increases. Brazzaville is the major river port. There are airfields
located at each of these major cities. The Congo has fair telephone and
telegraph service, two radiobroadcast stations, and one television station.
Government economic policy and financial systems
Under the aegis of its policy of "scientific socialism," the government
favors increasing state ownership and control of all enterprise through
planned economy, as embodied in successive development plans. In the last
four years, the government has nationalized a number of private utility and
transport companies and a large sugar and food complex, which was already
partly government-owned and faced with serious financial difficulties. The
majority of Congolese business, however, is still owned or operated by
private French firms. Economic planning has so far been characterized by
poor project preparation and the absence of adequate budgetary support.
Despite its desire to expand the public sector, the government has never
discouraged desperately needed private investment, and relationships with
the private sector are generally good.
Monetary and fiscal policies are made in cooperation with France and
other African franc zone member states with whom Brazzaville shares a
Congo (B) 11-2
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 5M-00891 A001100060001-5
common convertible currency, the African Financial Community (CFA)
franc, which is backed by the French franc. The Central Bank of Equatorial
Africa and Cameroon serves the Central African Customs and Economic
Union (UDEAC), to which the Congo belongs, as a vehicle for monetary
coordination and stability. Brazzaville hasa National Development Bank and
belongs to the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development.
Foreign trade
Foreign trade is of great importance to the Congo because of its limited
domestic market. Exports are equivalent to one quarter and imports over
two fifths of the GDP. Although exports have risen impressively in recent
years, 12% in 1966 and 6% in 1967, imports have grown even more rapidly
since 1965, and the Congo's trade deficit has steadily increased. Timber is
the largest export. The trade in diamonds smuggled from Zaire, formerly a
major source of export income, has declined considerably with increased
enforcement of border controls. Consumer goods, particularly foodstuffs,
account for 50% of the total imports, but raw materials and equipment
imports have increased with the upsurge in investment activity after 1964.
Over half of the goods imported come from France, and Germany takes a
quarter of the Congo's exports. The Netherlands and the United Kingdom
account respectively for nearly 16% and 12% of Congolese exports; France
takes less than 10%. The Congo enjoys preferential trade benefits with three
neighboring countries through its membership in UDEAC.
Balance of payments
The Congo's substantial and increasing trade deficit in recent years has
been somewhat offset by foreign aid and receipts from transit services. The
over-all balance of payments usually shows a small deficit, and net foreign
assets are now about minus US$2.4 million. The Congo's balance of pay-
ments is tied to France through franc zone area arrangements. The country
has avoided exchange restrictions because it has access through the Central
Bank of Equatorial Africa and Cameroon to pooled reserves at the home
office in Paris, which in turn can make use of overdraft facilities with the
French Treasury. Foreign exchange expenditures are limited by a ceiling,
imposed by a joint French-Congolese committee, on imports from non -
European Community countries outside the fanc zone.
Congo (B) 11 - 3
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : E -00891 A001100060001-5
D
The Congo's over-all economy has grown throughout the 1960s, but
will probably slow down in the immediate future because few development
projects have been planned beyond 1971. Since 1963, the GDP has increased
steadily at about 4% per year, or about twice as fast as the population
growth rate. Total GDP at 1970 prices is estimated to be near $228 million,
or about $260 per capita.
Congo (B) 1 1 - 4
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/0L
00891 A
Ill. POLITICAL SITUATION AND TRENDS
Historical) summary
1882-1960: The French legacy--From the 14th century until its incor-
poration as a French colony in 1882, the Congo was dominated successively
by three tribal kingdoms-the Kongo, the Loango, and the Teke. In 1910 the
Congo became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa and
Brazzaville (named after French explorer Savorgnan de Brazza) became the
capital of the federation. Political parties were formed following World War
I I along tribal and regional lines after France had progressively extended the
franchise and representative institutions to its possessions south of the
Sahara. Brazzaville was granted internal autonomy in 1958 and acceded to
full sovereignty within the French community two years later. Colonial rule
fostered neither a sense of national unity nor indigenous enterprise, but at
independence the Congo did possess a relatively well-developed adminis-
trative, educational, industrial, and transportation network.
1960-1972: Post-independence radicalism-Subject to strong central-
ized rule since 1961, Brazzaville has adopted the appearance of a Chinese-
type "peoples democracy" under its third president-Major Marien Ngouabi.
Governing at independence was a French-oriented elite headed by Fulbert
Youlou, an unfrocked priest and leader of the largest southern tribe. Youlou
resigned in 1963 in the face of strikes by youth, labor, and tribal elements
dissatisfied with corruption, nepotism, and economic privations. Alphonse
Massamba-Debat, a minister under Youlou, was then chosen to head a more
youthful but still basically southern tribal government. With the emergence
of a powerful leftist clique, a Marxist single ruling party was instituted in
1964, and its goal of "scientific socialism" found expression in a nascent
state sector and a pro-Communist foreign policy. By early 1968, however,
the grow ng influence of radical paramilitary youth groups resulted in an
extended power struggle among Massamba-Debat's moderates, the ex-
tremists, and the factionalized army which was climaxed in August by
Ngouabi's military take-over and the installation of his northern-dominated
regime. Since then, Ngouabi has kept the Congo on its ostensibly socialist
path while introducing his own "revolutionary" readjustments.
Political dynamics
Political instability is a constant feature of the Congo, for a complex
mixture of tribal, regional, ideological, and personal animosities permeates
Congo (B) Feb 72
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : S :LP M-00891A001100060001-5
its convoluted politics. The result has been a maze of mutually antagonistic
and shifting political factions competing for government control. Under
these circumstances, each succeeding governing group has been a loose
coalition whose members have concentrated on political survival to the
virtual neglect of the country's pressing problems.
Array strong man Ngouabi heads an incongruous alliance of fellow
northern army officers and civilian leftists, most of whom are southerners.
The government nonetheless remains generally unpopular with the southern
tribes, and it periodically announces the foiling of new plots by hostile
elements. Despite his radical protestations, Ngouabi has basically been a
pragmatic leader and has increasingly allied himself with more moderate
types in the regime in order to offset his radical opponents. For the moment,
the power pendulum seems to have swung slightly to Ngouabi's favor in
contrast to the clear ascendency of the radicals two years ago. Ngouabi now
controls key portions of the army and governmental apparatus, but the
extremist faction retains important strength in the top party organs. Both
sides are jockeying for the allegiance of the military, which mirrors the
country's social and political divisions and has unpredictable loyalties.
Governmental system
Both the government and the single Congolese Labor Party (PCT) are
theoretically patterned after their respective Chinese Communist counter-
parts. In December 1969, statutes for a Peking-style constitution and party
were adopted creating an authoritarian presidential system. The president,
elected by the PCT party congress, serves for five years and is the com-
mander in chief of the armed forces. He heads the party's Political Bureau
and Central Committee as well as the Council of State or cabinet. In
consultation with the PCT, the president appoints a vice president and other
cabinet members, establishes their functions, and has the power to dismiss
them. In league with the PCT Political Bureau and Council of State he can
also legislate by decree, thus assuring the party a key role in all law making.
The court structure still closely follows French juridicial procedure and
appears to be operating essentially as it did under previous governments.
Individuals accused of political crimes are tried by a separate Revolutionary
Court of Justice composed of appointed party members.
25X1
In 1972 the Congo was divided into nine regions and one autonomous
capital district. The regions are administered by commissioners who are
appointed by the president to be responsible for security, public order, and
the application of laws and regulations. Each region is subdivided into
districts headed by officials assigned by the party.
Congo (B)
25X1
SECRET
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : St4( .I?00891A001100060001-5
The PCT, the only legal party, is organized like most Communist
parties, with power centered in a five-man Political Bureau and a 35- to
40-member Central Committee. The Political Bureau, as the executive arm of
the Central Committee, is the most powerful leadership body in the Congo.
Below the national level, the party has regional, district, and municipal
organizations, as well as revolutionary committees in business, the civil
service, and military. All other special interest groups, such as labor, youth,
and women's organizations, are auxiliaries of the party.
Security system
Frequent command and organizational changes are made in the security
forces to encourage their loyalty to the regime and to guard against possible
subversion or invasion. President Ngouabi has placed trusted northern col-
leagues in a majority of top military posts. All paramilitary youth groups-
centers of leftist strength---were disbanded by Ngouabi in 1969, and their
"loyal" members were integrated into the reorganized regular army. The
Gendarmerie was also absorbed by the army, following the participation by
several of, its officers in an abortive coup attempt in March 1970. The police
and Popular Militia are directly subordinate to the Army High Command.
For defense purposes, the country is divided into seven regional zones with
troops loyal to Ngouabi controlling the autonomous Brazzaville zone. A
political control board within the Army High Command oversees the ideolo-
gical training of the security forces.
Congo (B)
sr;cRE'r
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : &J I T-00891A001100060001-5
Foreign activities
Prior to the Congo's reconciliation with Zaire in June 1970, several
groups of exiles from the Youlou and Massamba-Debat regimes were re-
ceiving active aid from Kinshasa, and two abortive attempts were mounted
to overthrow Ngouabi. Since the rapprochement, however, Kinshasa's Presi-
dent seems to have suspended further coup efforts in favor of supporting
Ngouabi against leftist rivals. Both the Soviet Union and Communist China
maintain a sizable presence, and the Chinese have been particularly success-
ful in expanding their advisory role and propaganda programs in the country.
Chinese influence is limited to the leadership elite, however, and has made
very little impact on the Congolese masses.
Communist party and front groups
The Congolese Labor Party (PCT) is the only legal party, and no
clandestine Communist party or front group is known to exist. Within the
party, ideological preferences run the gamut, with a majority oriented
toward the Chinese.
Both Ngouabi's government and that of Massamba-Debit before him
came to power as a result of coups. The present government, in turn, could
be suddenly overthrown by a coalition of rival political or tribal elements.
One Kinshasa-backed coup attempt in March 1970 had some internal sup-
port among gendarmerie officers. Although people are often arrested for
anti-government plotting, there is no overt large-scale opposition activity at
present, and groups such as labor and youth that might cause trouble have
been largely neutralized by subordinating them to the party or army.
Exile groups
A few small exile groups of disaffected Congolese based in Africa and
Western Europe remain possible sources of subversion. The most potentially
threatening of these groups are located in neighboring Kinshasa. The other
groups continue their efforts to gain foreign support, but factionalism and
opportunism within their ranks keep them from becoming potent and
cohesive forces.
Congo (B) Feb 72
SECRET
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/ 79-00891A001100060001-5
25X1
Popular discontent
The instability of the political situation, the preoccupation of
Congolese leaders with political maneuvering, and the uncertain state of the
economy are the major elements causing dissatisfaction among the urban
Congolese. A large number of educated but unemployed youths have turned
to radical politics to voice their discontent. The rural majority, however, is
generally apathetic although the charge of discrimination by the northern-
dominated government against southern tribesmen could possibly be used to
incite tribal violence.
Congo (B)
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
25X6
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 25X6 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : DAM '00891A001100060001-5
D
Organization and manpower
The armed forces consist of a 6,470-man army, a 120-man navy, a
210-man air force, and a popular militia of several thousand members. There
are an additional 73 foreign military advisers: 45 Soviet, 25 Chinese, and 3
French. The military is under the control of the president, the constitutional
commander in chief. The Army High Command in Brazzaville manages the
security forces in seven defense zones throughout the country.
Capabilities
The army can cope with minor disorders but has no offensive capability
and could not suppress widespread insurgency. Major weaknesses include
inadequate training, illiteracy, absence of a common language, and tribal and
political ivalries.
Equipment and logistics
The equipment of the security forces is in short supply, and main-
tenance is poor. The army is equipped with French small arms and light
vehicles, Chinese and Soviet small arms, and some Communist-supplied
artillery, trucks, tanks, rocket launchers, and antiaircraft weapons. The navy
is equipped with nine Soviet assault boats and some river patrol craft from
Communist China. The operational status of the forces' few transport and
helicopter aircraft is unknown.
Military budget
The military budget for 1970 was about US $10.4 million or 16% of
the total budget.
Military aid
The Congo retains mutual defense and military assistance pacts with
France and has military aid agreements with the USSR, Algeria, and Com-
munist China.
Congo (B) Feb 72
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/ dIMMOT-0089 001100060001-5
Although the Congo's official foreign policy is nonalignment, in prac-
tice its relations are determined by the dual considerations of the need for
Western economic aid and investment and an ideological identification with
radical African and Communist countries. Brazzaville belongs to the United
Nations and several of its specialized affiliates and is an associate member of
the European Common Market (EEC). In the UN, it usually votes on African
matters with other radical states on matters affecting Africa and with the
Communist states on East-West issues.
Economic advantages require that Brazzaville maintain good relations
with the other former members of French Equatorial Africa-Chad, Central
African Republic, and Gabon-and Cameroon, although ties with these
countries are occasionally strained. Hostility between Brazzaville and Zaire
dates back to the colonial period. Since independence, political ideology
appears to be the major cause of periodic antagonism between the two. The
moderate Kinshasa government views leftist influence in Brazzaville with
concern, while Brazzaville fears renewed subversion from Kinshasa. The feud
at times has resulted in open hostilities, with each country backing exile
groups bent on overthrowing the other's government. Diplomatic relations
were resumed in December 1970 after a two-year break but are at best
tenuous.
The Congo belongs to the Organization of African Unity (OAU), where
it sides with the radical states, and is a member of two French-inspired
groups--the Afro-Malagasy and Mauritian Common Organization (OCAM),
and the Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC). Along
with other radical African states, the Congo remains vociferously opposed to
any dialogue with the white-controlled areas of southern Africa. Brazzaville
broke relations with Portugual in 1965. It provides the Popular Movement
for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) with sanctuary and broadcast facilities,
and serves as a transit point for Communist-supplied arms.
The most important Western countries represented in the Congo are
France and West Germany. The latter has handled American interests since
the US withdrew its diplomatic personnel in 1965 following a series of
Congo (B) Feb 72
SECRET
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : ET-00891 A001100060001-5
official harassments. Although French political influence has declined sub-
stantially since the Congo gained independence in 1960, relations have
remained generally cooperative because of Brazzaville's dependence on
French investment and economic assistance-presently about $10 million a
year-and continuing educational and cultural ties. Of the Francophone
African states, the Congo has the second highest number of French technical
assistants per capita, and the French business community is still numerous
and relatively untroubled.
Diplomatic relations were initiated with most Communist countries
after 1963, when the Massamba-Debat regime came to power. Ties are best
developed with Communist China and the Soviet Union, but Peking, with
whom many Brazzaville leaders identify, enjoys the greater rapport and
influence. China has committed over US$44.2 million in aid since 1964, of
which some $15.5 million has been drawn, making it second only to France
as a source of foreign assistance. Although President Ngouabi depends
heavily on Peking for aid, be does not appear to be as pro-Chinese as are his
extremist rivals.
The Soviets have made little effort to match Chinese assistance to the
Congo; Brazzaville's relations with Moscow are somewhat cool, and Moscow
has failed to endorse the Congo as a genuine socialist state. North Korea
conducts a modest but successful economic and technical-assistance pro-
gram. Over 1,000 Cuban military advisers were in the Congo in 1966 to train
radical paramilitary youth groups. By 1969, President Ngouabi had sent
these advisers home, but Brazzaville extremists continue to have friendly
contacts with Cuba.
Congo (B) VII - 2
SECRET
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891AO01100060001-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/12 Sba-Ad W9-00891 A001100060001-5
The JS has had no diplomatic presence in Brazzaville since 1965, and
Washington is represented there by West Germany. The main remaining US
commercial interest is US Steel's 49% ownership of the COMILOG railway
from Mouanda, Gabon to the Congo-Ocean railroad at Fauvre, Congo. The
manganese ore transported over this rail line is important to the American
steel industry. There are a few American missionaries in the country.
Congo (B)
SECRET
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/12 : CIA-RDP79-00891A001100060001-5
 EOUATORIAI.
GUINEA
(RIO Suer)
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLIC
OF THE
MASSIF
DO
MAVOMBE
o o e lease 200210 7 11 2-C0
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
PEOPLES REPUBLIC
OF THE CONGO
+--~-+ Railroad (3161 gage)
Surfaced mad
U nsurfaced road
Airfield
Major port
Populated places
? Over olow
10. oat. 50,000
o Under 10.000
SFpt, ar,,a,r ~, leer
S-e 1:2,490,000
POPULATION AND
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS
?irroi