In the Congo on Sunday (12 February), the Congolese President, Colonel Joachim Yhombi-Opango, attended a big rally to mark the 14th anniversary of the founding of the Union of Young Congolese Socialists. The rally was held in the country's capital, Brazzaville.

SYNOPSIS: President Yhombi-Opango, who has been head of state in the Congo for almost a year now, arrived at the rally to receive a warm welcome from the rally organisers. Like his assassinated predecessor Major Marien Ngouabi, President Yhombi-Opango follows a Marxist line.

More than 50,000 young children and students had gathered for the rally which took place in a big Brazzaville stadium.

High ranking members of the armed forces joined the President in the grandstand for the celebration which opened with a show of support for the Congolese Labour Party. The party was established by the late President Ngouabi, who was a cousin of the present leader.

President Yhombi-Opango then addressed the youngsters. He told them that he was impressed with their commitment to the party.

As he spoke, Jean Pierre Gombet, the Secretary-General of the Union of Young Congolese Socialists looked on, and students waved the President's portrait.

President Yhombi-Opango went on to urge them to stay politically aware, and to defend the revolution.