By Editorial,
The Democratic Republic of Congo army says it has quashed an attempted coup against President Felix Tshisekedi in the capital Kinshasa involving Congolese and foreign fighters.
DR Congo army spokesperson Brig Gen Sylavin Ekenge said on the state-run broadcaster RTNC TV that several suspects have been detained and the situation was currently under control.
His statement comes hours after armed men attacked the house of Vital Kamerhe, the former chief of staff and close ally to President Tshisekedi yesterday morning.
Witnesses say a group of about 20 assailants in army uniform attacked the residence and an exchange of gunfire followed, two guards and an assailant killed in the attack on Mr Kamerhe’s house, his spokesman and the Japanese ambassador added in posts on X.
The men also occupied the Palais de la Nation, the office of the President of the Republic which is located in the city centre, a place highly secured by the Republican Guard.
Japan’s ambassador in the Congolese capital has warned nationals not to go out but President Tshisekedi has not made any public comment on the situation by this morning.
Local media reports said the assailants were members of the New Zaire Movement linked to formerly-exiled politician Christian Malanga. END BBC
