Gizenga’s Police Disarmed

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29723, 17 January 1962, Page 11

Gizenga’s Police Disarmed

(N XP-A.-Reuter—Copvrtpht) LEOPOLDVILLE, January 16.

Central Government troops have rounded up and disarmed about 300 gendarmes loyal to Mr Antoine Gizenga in Stanleyville, A United Nations spokesman told a press conference the 300 comprised all but one platoon of the gendarmes who bad rebelled against the Central Government’s authority.

Mr Gizenga, Premier of Orientals Province, is a supporter of the Left-wing policies of the late Central Government Prime Minister, Mr Patrice Lumumba. In an effort to reconcile two of the leading Congolese factions he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the Central Government, but he has never taken up office in the position. The United Nations spokesman said at his press conference that Mr Gizenga was under guard at his residence on the banks of the Congo River.

The 300 captured gendarmes were being held at Camp Ketele, in Stanleyville. He said that throughout the two days of clashes in Stanleyville, the Ethiopian United Nations forces had assisted those of the Central Government "but without the necessity of firing a shot.” The Congolese news agency A.C.P. said today more than 25 people were killed during the fighting. However, the United Nations spokesman said casualties had been limited to 14 soldiers killed The situation in Stanleyville was “now firmly in control." Censure Motion The Congolese National Chamber of Deputies yesterday approved a motion of censure against Mr Gizenga by an overwhelming majority. Seventy-two of the 137 deputies were present. Sixty-seven voted for the motion. One deputy voted

against and four abstained, the British United Press said. > In an hour-long debate, one speaker said Mr Gizenga had once been a loyal nationalist, "but today he is a terrorist and anarchist, and a criminal.” Mr Tshiala Muana, of South Kasai, said: "Congolese blood has just been shed again because of him in Stanleyville." He said the gendarmes who had fought for Mr Gizenga, "are comparable to the mercenaries of Mr Tshombe” (the Katangeae President).