DRC Military Thwarts Coup Attempt
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) military announced on Sunday that it had thwarted a violent coup attempt. This follows an armed attack on the residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe, resulting in three fatalities.
“An attempted coup d’état has been stopped by the defense and security forces,” stated army spokesman General Sylvain Ekenge in a televised message.
He added that the attempt involved both foreign and Congolese individuals, including their leader, who have been “put out of action.” However, Ekenge did not clarify if this meant they were killed or detained.
The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert on Sunday, warning of “ongoing activity by DRC security elements” and reports of gunfire.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that gunfire was heard near the Palais de la Nation, the official residence of Congo’s president.
Videos on social media showed men in military attire at the Palais de la Nation, brandishing flags of Zaire, the name of Congo under former leader Mobutu Sese Seko, who was overthrown in 1997.
Earlier, armed men attacked the Kinshasa residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe, who is a candidate for speaker of the National Assembly of Congo. The attack resulted in the deaths of two police officers and one of the assailants, identified by local media as Congolese soldiers.
The incident occurred amid a crisis within President Felix Tshisekedi’s ruling party, as leaders struggle to appoint the next speaker of parliament. The vote, initially scheduled for Saturday, was postponed.
Tshisekedi was re-elected as president in December, in a vote that the opposition claims was not transparent. The DRC has a history of disputed elections.
Later on Sunday, self-exiled opposition leader Christian Malanga posted a video on Facebook threatening President Tshisekedi. “Felix, you’re out. We are coming for you,” he said in the video.
The DRC military’s successful prevention of a coup attempt highlights the ongoing political instability and tensions in the country. As the ruling party navigates internal crises and external threats, the situation remains volatile.
SOURCE:dw.com
