A note released in Brazzaville
Capged, a consortium bringing together five associations working on human rights and rule-of-law issues, made public a position note on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Brazzaville. The document reacts to remarks attributed to the director general of Presidential Security, Gen. Serge Oboa.
The note is signed by Nina Cintia Kiyindou Yombo (OCDH), Roch Euloge Nzobo (CDHD), Maixent Agnimbat Eméka (FGDH), Bertrand Menier Kounanga (Mouvement Ras-le-Bol) and Blanchard Cherotti Mavoungou (ARPA2DH). Capged says it is concerned by the tone and implications of the comments.
What Capged says the remarks implied
In its statement, Capged says the DGSP remarks circulated in traditional media and on social networks. The consortium says the comments were understood as discouraging citizens from exercising rights linked to public demonstrations and freedom of expression.
Capged links its concerns to the national political calendar, noting the presidential election is scheduled for March 22. The groups argue that election periods heighten sensitivity and require clear adherence to legal frameworks that govern public order and civic participation.
The note also criticizes what it describes as “threats, intimidation and the usurpation” of roles that belong to other institutions, specifically mentioning the Ministry of the Interior and the public prosecutor. Capged frames this as a governance and institutional-competence issue.
Public order and the risk of fear
According to Capged, the remarks included a warning that anyone defying an alleged ban would face severe repression by DGSP units. The consortium says this message could create fear and narrow civic space, especially among citizens who want to express opinions peacefully.
The note places the debate in the wider security environment, referencing an operation described as a fight against major banditry known as “Bébés noirs.” Capged says that context is already tense and that public communication by senior security officials should be especially measured.
Constitutional reference: Article 205
Capged grounds part of its argument in the Constitution of Oct. 25, 2015. The statement highlights Article 205, which says the public force is apolitical, subject to the laws and regulations of the Republic, created for the general interest, and subordinated to civilian authority.
The consortium also argues that public demonstrations are a right and that public forces have a duty to accompany demonstrators to help prevent disorder. In its view, respecting procedures and keeping security forces within their legal mandates is essential for stability during an election period.
International commitments mentioned by the consortium
Capged says the remarks run against the spirit of international instruments ratified by the Republic of the Congo, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It points to protections related to freedom of expression, political participation and safeguards against fear and repression.
The statement further argues that, as a senior military authority and part of the President’s protective detail, the DGSP leadership is expected to show restraint. Capged says this obligation matters in an electoral context where multiple candidates and supporters may be active.
Calls addressed to institutions and partners
Capged’s note sets out several appeals aimed at maintaining a calm and lawful pre-election environment. It calls on the President of the Republic to remind all security forces of their republican role, their apolitical nature and their mission to protect citizens.
The consortium also urges the Ministry of the Interior to do what is necessary to guarantee conditions for an election presented as free and peaceful, with respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. It frames this as a practical responsibility of the administration in charge of public order.
Capged addresses development partners as well, asking them to encourage respect for international commitments on electoral governance. The note also calls on civil and military authorities to show restraint and to adhere strictly to rule-of-law principles during the electoral period.
Finally, the consortium calls on civil society organizations to denounce any statements that, in their view, aim to intimidate the population or restrict fundamental freedoms. Capged argues that the upcoming election should strengthen democratic practices rather than fuel tensions.
Document availability and what to watch next
Capged says its position note is available in PDF format and also in a video reading shared on YouTube. The group presents the document as a public contribution to debate on civic space, institutional roles and the conduct expected from security bodies.
In the coming weeks, attention is likely to focus on how institutions communicate about demonstrations, campaign activity and public security. For many families and small businesses, predictability and calm are key, especially as political activity rises ahead of March 22.