Congo (Brazzaville)
In 1937 The Salvation Army spread from Léopoldville to Brazzaville, and in 1953 French Equatorial Africa (now Congo) became a separate command. Commissioner and Mrs Henri Becquet were the pioneers. The command was upgraded to a territory in December 1960. On 1 July 2018 the work in Gabon was officially recognised.
The territory marked its 80th anniversary in September 2017 when thousands of Salvationists and friends from the Republic of Congo gathered under the leadership of the General and Commissioner Silvia Cox (WPWM) for inspirational days of celebration. On the closing day of the congress, the General enrolled more than 700 senior and junior soldiers, among them two members of the Congolese Parliament and a senior official of La Likouala Department.
During the year under review three new corps halls were opened and dedicated to God - at Ngangoni by the General and Commissioner Silvia Cox, at Moukondo by Commissioners Benjamin and Grace Mnyampi (IS and ZSWM) and at Mbota by territorial leaders Commisioner Onal and Edmane Castor.
A youth leaders' conference and youth summut were held in July 2017, attended by more than 800 people representing every corps and outpost in the territory. Captain Dwayne Barnes (USA Eastern Territory) was the special guest supported by senior territorial leaders. Delegates returned to their corps determined to pass on the knowledge acquired to those under their care. In October, Nkayi Primary School, built with funding from IHQ, was opened, Lieut-Colonels Jean Pierre and Jeannette Sonda leading the dedication ceremony.
The territory built its first ever camp siteat Mouleke, Kinkala, with funding from the USA Eastern Territory. However, owing to civil unrest in Pool Department the camp has yet to be fully utilised.
A number of events included a workshop conducted by projects officers from the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and SAWSO,a marriage enrichement seminar conducted by Commissioners Franz and Hanny Boschung from Switzerland, and a child protection seminar led by Ms Jane Dodds, International Director for Child Protection (IHQ).
Two new outposts have been opened at Oyo and Ouesso in a partof the country where the Army does not have a strong presence, and work commenced at two corps - Djiri 1 in Brazzaville 1 Division and at Vindoulou in Pointe Noire Division.
When Women's Ministries conducted a weekend campaign at Oyo, 120 women and men participated and more than 101 new converts were recorded.
The Whole World Moblising campaign was a great success as the territory rallied under the theme `Ensemble en Avant! Le Congo pour Christ' (Forward Together. The Congo for Christ') . Thousands of people heard the gospel message with many making recommitments to God's service.
The year under review concluded in celebrations as Gabon (overseen by the territory) became the 129th country where Army work is officially recognised, during meetings led by the International Secretary and Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries.
Territorial Leaders
Commissioner Onal Castor - Territorial Commander
Commissioner Edmane Castor - Territorial President for Women's Ministries
Lieut-Colonel Eugene Bamanabio - Chief Secretary
Lieut-Colonel Brigitte Bamanabio - Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries
Territorial Headquarters
Rue de Reims,
Brazzaville,
République du Congo
Postal address
BP 20, Brazzaville
République du Congo
Tel: (00242) + 22 609 06 41
Email: congo_brazzaville_info@con.salvationarmy.org
Countries included in the territory: The Republic of Congo, Gabon
Languages in which the gospel is preached: French, Kikongo, Kituba, Lingala, Vili