DR Congo forces thwart coup attempt in Kinshasa

Defence and security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) thwarted an attempted coup over the weekend, according to Xinhua, citing army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge.

The incident resulted in at least three deaths as attackers targeted Kinshasa neighbourhoods where politicians and diplomatic missions reside.

“The army reassures that the situation is under control and asks Kinshasa residents to freely go about their business,”

Ekenge announced in a broadcast on public television. He also noted that several perpetrators had been arrested.

Witnesses reported hearing “violent gunshots” around 3:30 am (GMT) near the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a federal legislator and candidate for Speaker of the National Assembly.

The attackers also breached the Palais de la Nation, the symbolic headquarters of the DRC presidency in Kinshasa, and declared via a Facebook livestream that they were “fighting for the country.”

“The Congolese and foreigners involved have been put out of action, including their leader. The security forces have the situation under control,” Ekenge added without providing further details.