DR Congo army foils coup attempt in Kinshasa

In a dramatic turn of events yesterday, May 19, 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army successfully thwarted an attempted coup in the capital city of Kinshasa. The coup’s leader, Christian Malanga, was killed during the operation, and approximately 50 individuals were arrested, including three American citizens.

The coup plotters targeted the presidential residence and the home of Vital Kamerhe, a prominent political figure and key ally of President Félix Tshisekedi. The city experienced intense gunfire, and a stray shell struck neighboring Brazzaville, injuring several people.

The U.S. embassy in Kinshasa has expressed deep concern over the involvement of American citizens in the coup attempt and has pledged full cooperation with DRC authorities in their ongoing investigation. The swift response by the Congolese army has been praised for preventing a potentially destabilizing crisis in the nation.