The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was rocked by a failed coup attempt on Sunday morning, with the country’s armed forces successfully repelling an attack on the presidential palace and other locations in the capital, Kinshasa.
Military spokesman Sylvain Ekenge confirmed the incident in a televised address, stating that “an attempted coup d’etat has been put down by the defence and security forces.”
Details surrounding the attackers remain unclear. Ekenge confirmed the involvement of both Congolese nationals and foreign fighters but did not elaborate on their identities or fates, leaving it uncertain whether they were captured or killed.
President Felix Tshisekedi’s spokeswoman, Tina Salama, corroborated the attack on the presidential palace but assured the public that the military had regained control.
Earlier reports indicated violence near the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a prominent member of parliament and potential candidate for speaker. Two guards and an assailant reportedly died during this clash.
The unrest prompted the United States embassy in Kinshasa to issue a security alert, warning of “ongoing activity by DRC security elements” and gunfire in the area.
Further complicating the situation, a Facebook page believed to belong to U.S.-based politician Christian Malanga surfaced a livestreamed video allegedly showing him leading the attack. In the unverified video, Malanga speaks in Lingala, expressing frustration with the leadership of Tshisekedi and Kamerhe.
The DRC government is yet to officially comment on Malanga’s involvement. The situation in Kinshasa remains tense as authorities investigate the attempted coup and its perpetrators.
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