Amidst a political crisis within President Felix Tshisekedi’s ruling party, security forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have claimed to foil an attempted coup. The incident began on Saturday when armed men attacked the Kinshasa residence of Vital Kamerhe, a federal legislator and candidate for parliament speaker. His guards successfully repelled the attack, according to his spokesman, Michel Moto Muhima.
Footage from the scene shows military trucks and heavily armed personnel patrolling deserted streets. Congolese army spokesperson Brigadier General Sylvain Ekenge asserted that the coup attempt had been thwarted and that defense and security forces were in complete control.
Tragically, the shootout on Sunday morning resulted in the deaths of two police officers and one attacker. The United States embassy in the DRC has issued a security alert, urging caution due to reports of gunfire.
This incident comes during a period of heightened tensions within Tshisekedi’s ruling party, facing public discontent over the postponed election for parliament leadership. In December, Tshisekedi was re-elected amid opposition calls for a revote due to concerns about transparency.
