Coup attempt thwarted by Congolese army as opposition leader warns president

The recent events in Congo have been tumultuous, as the country's army reported a foiled coup early Sunday morning. The coup attempt resulted in a shootout between armed men in military uniform and guards of a close ally of Congo's president, leading to three fatalities in the capital, Kinshasa. Initially, local media identified the armed men as Congolese soldiers, but later reports revealed their connection to self-exiled opposition leader Christian Malanga, who posted a threatening video on Facebook directed at President Felix Tshisekedi. This incident has raised concerns about the political stability in the Central African country, which has a history of disputed elections. President Tshisekedi's reelection in December was marred by allegations of a lack of transparency, prompting opposition calls for a revote. The chaos surrounding the election has cast a shadow over Tshisekedi's presidency, with ongoing political crisis within his ruling party. The attempted coup was swiftly addressed by Congolese defense and security forces, according to Congolese army spokesperson Brigadier General Sylvain Ekenge, who assured the public that the situation is now under control. The army did not disclose detailed information about the coup attempt, but the swift response indicates a commitment to preserving peace and order in the country. The clashes between armed men in military uniform and guards of federal legislator Vital Kamerhe at his residence in Kinshasa added another layer of complexity to the situation. Kamerhe, a candidate for speaker of the National Assembly of Congo, had his guards engage with the armed assailants, resulting in casualties on both sides. The proximity of these clashes to the presidential palace and diplomatic embassies raised concerns about the security situation in Kinshasa. Footage from the area showed military presence on the streets, indicating a heightened state of alert following the coup attempt and subsequent confrontations. Christian Malanga's provocative statements in the live-streamed video further fueled tensions, as he declared intentions to remove President Tshisekedi from power. Malanga, who leads the United Congolese Party (UCP), advocates for the opposition to the current government, describing it as a dictatorship. Tshisekedi's silence on the matter has left the public anxious about the stability of the country and the potential for further unrest. The president's recent meetings with parliamentarians and political leaders aimed to address the internal crisis within his ruling coalition, with a warning that he would dissolve the National Assembly if the situation persists. In response to the security alert issued by the United States Embassy in Congo, caution is advised as reports of gunfire continue to circulate. The international community is closely monitoring the developments in Congo, urging all parties to prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolutions to the ongoing political turmoil. The underlying issues of transparency, accountability, and political stability remain crucial in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Congo. As the country navigates through these challenging times, cooperation and respect for democratic processes will be essential in restoring confidence in the leadership and governance of the nation. https://therealcrimediary.com/coup-attempt-thwarted-by-congolese-army-as-opposition-leader-warns-president/?feed_id=54009&_unique_id=665a80fa5698f

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