Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - "The explosions were very violent. Two in particular were impressive. The explosions seemed very close. In different parts of the city, doors and windows of houses were damaged or suddenly opened because of the shock wave of violent explosions from the other side of the river. The population was frightened, at least until they understood where the explosions came from" reported Church sources in Kinshasa to Fides, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, bordering Brazzaville (capital of the Republic of Congo), upset by a series of explosions which occurred on Sunday morning, March 4 in the barracks of Mpila. The two capitals are separated by the River Congo. "The houses located near the river suffered the worst damage. But there are no reports of casualties or wounded on this side," added our sources. Meanwhile, new details emerge about the damage caused to Brazzaville. Within 4 kilometers from the epicenter of the explosion the buildings were razed to the ground. The government in Brazzaville has asked for urgent help in drugs worth 4 million euros. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 05/03/2012)
