By Ollus Ndomu
KINSHASA, DRC — The leader of an attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was killed on Sunday, with approximately 50 people, including three American citizens, arrested, according to a spokesman for the Central African country’s army.
Gunfire erupted around 4 a.m. in the capital, Kinshasa, as armed men attacked the presidency in the city center, reported Sylvain Ekenge, the army’s spokesman.
The coordinated assault extended to the nearby residence of Vital Kamerhe, a prominent member of parliament and a potential candidate for the speaker’s position.
The attackers targeted the presidency with gunfire and attempted to breach the compound. A Reuters reporter on the ground confirmed the sounds of heavy gunfire echoing through the city during the early hours.
Vital Kamerhe’s Residence Targeted
Kamerhe’s spokesman, Michel Moto Muhima, and the Japanese ambassador, reported on social media platform X that two guards and one attacker were killed during the assault on Kamerhe’s home. Ekenge corroborated that one attacker was killed in the incident.
The violence did not stay confined to Kinshasa. A shell fired from the city struck Brazzaville, the capital of the neighboring Republic of Congo, injuring several people. The Republic of Congo’s government stated that one person required hospitalization due to the injuries sustained.
Arrests and Mastermind Revealed
The army’s spokesman announced that a significant number of individuals involved in the coup attempt had been detained. Among those arrested were three American citizens, highlighting the international dimension of the plot. The United States-based Congolese citizen, Christian Malanga, and his son were identified as the masterminds behind the coup attempt, according to Reuters.
Regional Implications
The attempted coup and subsequent cross-border shelling have raised concerns about regional stability. The incident underscores the fragile security situation in the DRC and the potential for violence to spill over into neighboring countries.
Government Response
The Congolese government has condemned the coup attempt and vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice. Army spokesman Ekenge assured the public that security forces have regained control and that measures are being taken to prevent further attacks.
International Reactions
The involvement of American citizens in the coup plot has attracted international attention, with the U.S. government likely to closely monitor the situation. The Japanese ambassador’s report of the attack on Kamerhe’s residence further underscores the global ramifications of the attempted coup.
The DRC has experienced numerous coups and attempted coups since gaining independence in 1960, reflecting ongoing challenges in achieving political stability. The swift military response to Sunday’s events highlights the persistent volatility in the region.
As investigations continue, the focus will be on understanding the full extent of the plot, the motivations behind it, and the international connections that facilitated the coup attempt. The global community will be watching closely to see how the DRC addresses this latest challenge to its sovereignty and stability.
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