14,000 troops are being mobilised to secure the capital in a special operation over the coming holidays. Ten thousand of the troops will be from the police and the remaining four thousand from the army.

Police chief Hamami Nata described this as a routine operation to deal with a period during which the New Year coincides with the commencement of the fasting month. The security forces also anticipate that there will be an increase in social activities because of the festive season as well as disturbances in social, economic and political affairs.

Troops have also been warned to heighten their vigilance in the run-up to the Special Session of the MPR in March. The police chief said this could lead to threats to national security in the form of demonstrations, workers strikes and various criminal activities.