DR Congo Army thwarts ‘coup attempt’

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army has announced that it has successfully foiled an attempted coup d’etat, which was reportedly carried out by both Congolese and foreign fighters. According to army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge, the situation is now under control, and several suspects have been detained.

In a televised address on state-run RTNC TV, Ekenge stated, “An attempted coup d’etat has been put down by the defense and security forces. The attempt involved foreigners and Congolese. These foreigners and Congolese have been put out of action, including their leader.”

The attempted coup comes at a time of political tension in the DRC, with the ruling party facing internal divisions over the postponement of an election for the leadership of the national assembly. President Felix Tshisekedi, who was reelected in December 2023, met with parliamentarians and party leaders on Friday in an effort to resolve the crisis.

In a related incident, the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a former chief of staff and close ally of President Tshisekedi, was attacked by armed men on Sunday morning. According to Kamerhe’s spokesperson, Michel Muhima, the gunmen, who were clad in military uniform, engaged Kamerhe’s guards in a shootout, leaving three people dead.

The DRC army has assured citizens that the situation is under control, and an investigation into the attempted coup and attack on Kamerhe’s residence is ongoing.

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