Army Foils Coup Attempt in DR Congo

The Army in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) successfully thwarted an attempted coup against President Felix Tshisekedi on Sunday. Brig. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge, the Army spokesperson, announced on state-run broadcaster RTNC TV that several suspects have been detained and the situation in the capital, Kinshasa, is now under control.

The attempted coup involved both Congolese and foreign fighters. Early Sunday morning, armed men in military uniforms attacked the residence of Vital Kamerhe, former chief of staff and close ally to President Tshisekedi. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, leading to the deaths of two guards and one assailant, according to local media reports and posts on X by Kamerhe’s spokesperson and the Japanese ambassador.

The attackers are believed to be associated with the New Zaire Movement, linked to the formerly exiled politician Christian Malanga.

Despite the chaos, President Tshisekedi, who recently won a controversial re-election, has yet to comment publicly on the situation. Meanwhile, the Japanese ambassador in Kinshasa has advised Japanese nationals to exercise caution in the city.