The army of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) announced on Sunday that it had foiled a coup attempt in Kinshasa involving Congolese nationals, several Americans, and a Briton.
“A coup attempt was thwarted by the defense and security forces,” said General Sylvain Ekenge, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the DR Congo, on national television.
According to him, around forty assailants were arrested. Meanwhile four others, including their leader, Christian Malanga, a Congolese, naturalized as an American, were killed by security forces. In a statement, the government condemned the “attempt to destabilize the country’s institutions.”
The assailants were “of several nationalities,” according to the army spokesperson. Besides Christian Malanga, there were “his son,” “two other American citizens,” and “a naturalized British citizen”.
Earlier in the day, the U.S. ambassador expressed on social media her “deep concern over reports of American citizens allegedly involved” in the coup attempt.
General Ekenge explained that the assailants initially targeted the homes of the new Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa, and Defense Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba. However, they “could not identify the residence” of the Prime Minister and did not “find” the Defense Minister at home. They then “attacked the residence of Vital Kamerhe,” the Minister of Economy, who was at home with his family.
Neither Kamerhe nor his family was harmed, but two police officers providing their protection were killed. The armed men then proceeded to the building housing President Félix Tshisekedi’s offices.
This incident comes five months after the election allowing President Tshisekedi to secure a second term.
The Central African nation is grappling with a severe security crisis in its eastern region. A rebellion by the M23 has taken control of large areas in the North Kivu province.
