Cobra (militia)

The Cobra Militia, is also known as Forces Démocratique and Patriotique (FDP), was a militia during the civil war in the Republic of the Congo that fought for Denis Sassou Nguesso. Mostly recruiting from the sparsely populated northern region of the country, the Cobras numbered 8,000 at their height.[1]

Cobra Militia
LeaderDenis Sassou Nguesso
FoundationUnknown
Split fromCongolese Party of Labour
CountryRepublic of the Congo
MotivesPro-Denis Sassou Nguesso
Active regionsnorthern Republic of the Congo
StatusUnknown
Size8,000 (Height)
Battles and warsRepublic of the Congo Civil War (1993–1994)
Republic of the Congo Civil War (1997–1999)

History

Founded sometime in 1993 or before, The Cobra militia is a militia loyal to Denis Sassou Nguesso, In 1993 the first civil war broke out. It was during this time or just before it. During the war the Cobra militia battled Lissouba's Cocoye Militia killing up to 2,000 people, eventually ending in a peace agreement.[2]

In 1997 the second civil war broke out between the Cobra militia on one side and the Cocoye Militia, Nsiloulou Militia, and its former ally the Ninja militia on the other. With help from Angola, the Cobra militia was able to gain the upper hand and defeat the pro-Lissouba forces.[3]

Fall of Brazzaville

In Brazzaville, a battle between the pro-Lissouba forces and the cobra militia left much of the capital destroyed, leaving behind burned-out ruins and wrecked armored vehicles. As the pro-Lissouba forces retreated after the fierce battle, the Cobra militia looted hundreds of Homes, Businesses, and vehicles.[4]

Human rights violations

The Cobra militia has committed numerous human rights violations, the cobra militia has deliberately killed unarmed civilians accused of supporting their enemies,[5] rape, and looting.[6]

References
  1. "Cobra Militia / Forces Démocratique and Patriotique (FDP)". globalsecurity. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  2. "Republic of Congo (Brazzaville): Information on the human rights situation and the Ninja militia". refworld. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  3. "Congo-Brazzaville: Background on militia groups". reliefweb. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  4. "Cobra militia loot capital". reliefweb. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  5. "Armed Conflicts Report - Congo" (PDF). justice. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  6. "Cobra Militia / Forces Démocratique and Patriotique (FDP)". globalsecurity. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
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