The DR Congo military successfully thwarted an attempted coup near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa early Sunday, according to an army spokesperson. The coup involved both foreigners and Congolese nationals.
General Sylvain Ekenge announced on national television that the coup attempt occurred near the residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe in the Gombe area, close to the Palais de la Nation, the president’s office. He confirmed that the assailants, including their leader, had been neutralized and would no longer pose a threat.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots near the Palais de la Nation during the attempt.
The city remained calm later in the morning, according to journalists.
Japan’s ambassador, Hidetoshi Ogawa, confirmed an armed attack on Kamerhe’s residence, stating that Kamerhe was unharmed but two policemen and an assailant were killed.
France’s ambassador also reported automatic gunfire in the area and advised nationals to avoid it.
Social media videos depicted men in fatigues at the Palais de la Nation with flags of Zaire, the former name of the Democratic Republic of Congo under dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.
Heavily armed military vehicles were seen moving from the Palais de la Nation towards a major intersection in Gombe, and soldiers blocked access to Boulevard Thsatshi near Tshisekedi’s offices.
President Tshisekedi, re-elected in December with over 70% of the vote, has yet to form a government five months post-election. Kamerhe was named a candidate for the presidency of the National Assembly on April 23.
