DR Congo army says it has thwarted attempted coup
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army reports that it has thwarted a coup attempt against President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, involving both Congolese and foreign fighters.
Army spokesperson Brigadier General Sylavin Ekenge announced on state-run RTNC TV that several suspects have been detained and the “situation is now under control.”
This statement followed an attack early Sunday morning by armed men on the home of Vital Kamerhe, the former chief of staff and close ally of President Tshisekedi. Witnesses reported that about 20 assailants in army uniforms assaulted the residence, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
Two guards and one assailant were killed during the attack on Kamerhe’s house, according to his spokesperson and the Japanese ambassador, who made statements on X.
The attackers also occupied the Palais de la Nation, the President’s office in the city center, a location heavily secured by the Republican Guard.
The Japanese ambassador in Kinshasa has advised nationals to remain indoors.
President Tshisekedi has not yet made any public comments regarding the situation.
Local media reports said the assailants were members of the New Zaire Movement linked to formerly-exiled politician Christian Malanga.
The BBC has seen a video of Mr. Malanga saying in Lingala, the local language: “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 the disputed elections last year in December. He won about 78% of the vote.
Nearly 20 people were killed in election-related violence in the run-up to the vote.
Congo has vast mineral wealth and a huge population, but despite this life has not improved for most people, with conflict, corruption and poor governance persisting.
Much of the country’s natural resources lie in the east where violence still rages despite Mr Tshisekedi’s attempts to deal with the situation by imposing a state of siege, ceasefire deals, and bringing in regional troops.
