The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), army has announced that it successfully repelled an attempted coup d’etat, involving both Congolese and foreign fighters.
The coup was reportedly thwarted early on Sunday morning.
This revelation was made by the DRC army spokesperson, Sylvain Ekenge, in a televised address on the state-run RTNC TV.
Ekenge assured the public that the situation is now under control and that several suspects have been detained.
“An attempted coup d’etat has been put down by the defence and security forces.
The attempt involved foreigners and Congolese.
These foreigners and Congolese have been put out of action, including their leader,” Ekenge stated.
The army spokesperson did not provide further details about the incident but confirmed that multiple suspects are in custody.
The statement from Ekenge came just hours after an armed attack on the residence of Vital Kamerhe, the former chief of staff and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi.
Kamerhe’s house, located approximately two kilometers from the presidential palace, was targeted by gunmen dressed in military uniforms.
Michel Muhima, Kamerhe’s spokesperson, reported that the gunmen engaged in a shootout with the politician’s guards, resulting in three fatalities.
Among the dead were two police officers assigned to Kamerhe and one of the attackers.
This latest unrest in the DRC comes amidst internal disputes within the ruling party over the postponement of an election for the leadership of the country’s national assembly.
President Tshisekedi met with parliamentarians and party leaders on Friday in an effort to resolve the ongoing crisis.
President Felix Tshisekedi, who was reelected in December 2023, has faced increasing challenges as his administration grapples with political tensions and security issues in the country.
The thwarted coup attempt underscores the volatility in the DRC, where both internal and external actors continue to influence the political landscape.
