Congo Ninjas ousted from capital

The former prime minister's visit sparked unrest last week

The Republic of Congo army has urged people to return to their homes in a district of the capital, Brazzaville, after clashes with rebels on Wednesday.

The army said it had succeeded in dislodging the Ninja militia group from a compound in the Bacongo district.

Reports say one member of the security forces and two militiamen were killed.

The army said the district was a focus of insecurity and subversion, and that troops had opened fire on the militia only after being attacked.

The army used heavy weapons during the ensuing fighting.

The Ninjas are supporters of the former rebel leader, Frederic Ntumi, who led an uprising against the government between 1997 and 2003.

Clash

Last week, six people were killed in the same area of Brazzaville when Ninjas clashed with Congolese troops.

The Ninjas had pledged to disarm after a peace accord in March 2003.

Last week's fighting coincided with a visit home by exiled former Prime Minister Bernard Kolelas, who is supported by the Ninjas.

Mr Kolelas was allowed back to Congo after eight years in exile, for a brief visit to to bury his wife who died recently in Paris.

He was ousted in 1997 during a bloody civil war and condemned to death in his absence for alleged war crimes.