Kinshasa, 20 May 2024
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) thwarted an attempted coup this Sunday, 19 May 2024.
It all started in the early hours of the morning with an attack against the residence of Vital Kamerhe, the outgoing minister of economy and prospective president of the parliament as appointing by the gouvernement majority platform « Union Sacrée ». Armed men in military uniform faced the police forces committed to his protection and killed two guards before invading president Felix Tshisekedi’s office « Palais de la Nation » two hours later, though he was not present at the time.
« An attempted coup carried out by Congolese and foreigners was nipped in the bud by the defense and security forces » said the spokesman of the national army Major General Sylvain Ekenge in a prompt message broadcast on national television before stating that the army engaged the assailants, killing some of them and restoring calm in the city.
This coup attempt was guided by Christian Malanga, a Congolese former military officer (Captain) living in the United States of America. The latter wanted to « deliver the population from poverty president Tshisekedi has been unable to respond positively ».
Further communication from army reveals that this group of rebels was made of different nationalities among which some Americans. Four of them were killed, including their leading figure Christian Malanga.
Implicating some Americans citizens, this attempt was also commented by the US ambassador in DRC.
« I am shocked by the events this morning and very worried by the reports of American citizens allegedly involved. Rest assured that we are cooperating with authorities in DRC to the fullest extent possible, as they investigate these criminals acts and hold accountable any American citizen involved. » Wrote Lucy Tamlyn on an X post.
During the assailants, a shell from Kinshasa fell into a neighborhood in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo where a number of people were also injured.
« A few people have been lightly injured, one of whom has been transported to the army hospital of Brazzaville for treatment by the health service. » Said Thierry Moungalla, Minister of communication and government ( Republic of Congo) spokesperson.
It should be noted, however that, the situation is calm since yesterday all over the capital. This Monday, people went out and trafic jams were visible as usual. Notwithstanding this, Congolese citizens express their anger, calling for diplomatic solutions and proper investigations into how the attackers managed to breach security and information services.
Dominique Prevoste Mulamba, the motivational journalist.