The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army has claimed to have thwarted an attempted coup against President Felix Tshisekedi in the capital, Kinshasa, involving both Congolese and foreign fighters.
Army spokesperson Brig Gen Sylavin Ekenge announced that several suspects were detained and assured that the “situation is now under control.”
The announcement came shortly after armed men attacked the residence of Vital Kamerhe, former chief of staff and close ally to President Tshisekedi, early on Sunday morning.
Witnesses reported that about 20 assailants in army uniforms stormed Kamerhe’s house, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
According to Kamerhe’s spokesman and the Japanese ambassador, two guards and an assailant were killed in the attack.
The attackers also occupied the Palais de la Nation, the president’s office in the city center, which is heavily guarded by the Republican Guard.
The Japanese ambassador in Kinshasa has advised Japanese nationals to stay indoors. President Tshisekedi has not yet commented on the incident.
Local media reported that the attackers were affiliated with the New Zaire Movement, connected to the formerly exiled politician Christian Malanga.
The media obtained a video of Malanga speaking in Lingala, the local language, stating, “We the military are tired, we cannot march together with Vital Kamerhe and President Félix Tshisekedi.”
President Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term in a disputed election last December, securing about 78% of the vote. The run-up to the election saw nearly 20 people killed in related violence.
Despite Congo’s vast mineral wealth and large population, the country continues to struggle with conflict, corruption, and poor governance.
Much of its natural resources are located in the eastern regions, where violence persists despite Tshisekedi’s efforts to manage the situation through a state of siege, ceasefire agreements, and the involvement of regional troops.
Source-BBC
