An official and witnesses say strong explosions have rocked the capital of the Republic of Congo. Witnesses say the explosions started Sunday morning and came from the north of the West African city of Brazzaville. Witnesses say the impact of the blasts blew open doors in the city. It was not immediately possible to obtain further information from officials or witnesses, partly because phone networks were overloaded. The Republic of Congo is often overshadowed by its much larger neighbor, Congo.