France Extends Evacuation Brazzaville Fighting Escalates In Anticipation Of Troops Leaving

Mon., June 16, 1997

Associated Press

French troops said they would fly out at least one more planeload of frightened foreigners today, a day after fighting escalated in apparent anticipation of France’s departure from this Central African country.

Brazzaville was shaken Sunday by the most intense fighting since President Pascal Lissouba and his rival, Gen. Denis Sassou-Nguesso, called a shaky cease-fire on Wednesday. France’s announcement that it would begin a troop pullout Sunday appeared to have sparked the renewed battles in the former French colony.

France has airlifted about 6,000 foreigners from the city since fighting broke out June 5.

After flying out more than 230 people on Sunday, France had declared its mission over, saying those who wanted to leave had been flown out.

Then another 30 people arrived at the French Embassy asking to be evacuated. Officials said they would be flown out today and other flights could follow during the week.

It was expected to take the 1,200 French soldiers several days to leave the city, and officials said late Sunday that evacuation flights could continue during the withdrawal.

U.N. envoy Mohamed Sahnoun said he was speaking with French officials about the possibility of leaving some troops to keep the airport secure.

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France Extends Evacuation Brazzaville Fighting Escalates In Anticipation Of Troops Leaving

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