Pointe Noire quite a safe place actually. Even during the war 8 yrs ago, it was kept relatively safe from the fightings.
Quite a few expats due to oil companies operating out there. A few nice restaurants and night clubs to hang out in (try Jacady's). However Pointe Noire remains a large village, very African, which I think is nice. Great beaches as well, not too far from town.
Have fun.
TTF