Congo-Brazzaville bans travel for ministers

State-financed travel by ministers and officials in Congo-Brazzaville has been suspended until the end of the year, the government said on Wednesday.

“Missions abroad of members of the government, senior officials and other state agents, financed by the general state budget, are suspended until the end of 2024,” a circular signed by Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso said.

“An exception is made for missions involving the president of the republic,” a copy of the circular seen by AFP said.

It encourages officials’ “participation in video conference”, without giving further explanation on the travel ban.

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Congo-Brazzaville is a small, oil-producing country with more than five million residents.

Around half the population lives below the poverty line, according to World Bank estimates.