Tension Breaks Out as DR Congo Army Thwarts Attempted Coup Against President Tshisekedi
KINSHASA, DR Congo – The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army announced it had quashed an attempted coup against President Felix Tshisekedi in the capital, Kinshasa, involving both Congolese and foreign fighters.
Brigadier General Sylavin Ekenge, a spokesperson for the DR Congo army, revealed on state-run broadcaster RTNC TV that several suspects have been detained and assured that the “situation is now under control.”
The announcement followed an early Sunday morning attack on the residence of Vital Kamerhe, the former chief of staff and a close ally to President Tshisekedi. Witnesses reported that a group of about 20 assailants in army uniforms attacked the house, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
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According to Mr. Kamerhe’s spokesman and the Japanese ambassador, two guards and one assailant were killed during the attack. The incident prompted the Japanese ambassador in Kinshasa to advise nationals to remain indoors.
In addition to the attack on Mr. Kamerhe’s residence, the assailants also occupied the Palais de la Nation, the President’s office in the city center, which is heavily secured by the Republican Guard.
Local media reports identified the attackers as members of the New Zaire Movement, linked to the formerly-exiled politician Christian Malanga. The BBC obtained a video of Mr. Malanga speaking in Lingala, where he stated, “We the military are tired, we cannot march together with Vital Kamerhe and President Félix Tshisekedi.
As of now, President Tshisekedi has not made any public comment regarding the situation.
President Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term in the disputed elections last December, securing approximately 78% of the vote. The run-up to the election was marked by violence, resulting in nearly 20 deaths.
Despite DR Congo’s vast mineral wealth and large population, the country continues to struggle with conflict, corruption, and poor governance. Much of the natural resources are located in the eastern region, where violence persists despite President Tshisekedi’s efforts to impose a state of siege, negotiate ceasefires, and involve regional troops.
