“Foreign-led coup” foiled in Democratic Republic of Congo

Security cordon in Kinshasa on Sunday after the coup was reported Photo: Sami Ntumba Shambui/AP

The Army of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) says , which foiled a coup attempt involving “foreigners and Congolese.”

The coup proposal took place early Sunday morning in Kinshasa, near the residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe. and outside the office of President Felix Tshisekedi.

«The coup attempt was stopped by defense and security forces,» General Sylvain Ekenge said in a message broadcast on national television.

He added that «foreigners and Congolese» were behind the attack, «including them leader,” “all will not cause any further harm.”

Gen Ekenge did not provide further details about the incident, which occurred in the Gombe area in the north of the capital. According to a number of sources, shots were also heard near the Palace of the Nation.

Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe was reported to be unharmed. Photo: Arsene Mpiana/AFP

Lucy Tamlin, US Ambassador to the US DRC said: “I am shocked by the events of this morning and very concerned by reports of American citizens allegedly involved.”

“Rest assured that We are cooperating with DRC authorities to the fullest extent possible as they investigate these criminal acts and hold accountable all American citizens involved.»

Several people were also injured when a Kinshasa shell landed in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, which is located just across the Congo River from the DRC.

“Several people were slightly injured, one of whom was taken to an army hospital . Brazzaville for treatment in the health system,” said Thierry Mungalla, Minister of Communications of the Republic of Congo.

Early Sunday morning, reports began circulating on social media of an attack on the Camera home by armed men, some of whom then headed to the Palais des Nations.

Mr Kamerhe (left) campaigns with Felix Tshisekedi, who is now president. Photo: John Wessels/AFP

Japan's ambassador to Kinshasa, Hidetoshi Ogawa, said there had been an «armed attack» at the minister's residence. He added: «Mr Kamerhe was not injured [but] two policemen and the attacker were killed, according to sources.»

The French ambassador reported automatic weapons fire in the area and urged French citizens to stay away. < /p>

Videos have appeared on social networks showing men in military uniform waving the Zairean flag at the Palais des Nations. The DRC was known by this name under dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who was overthrown in 1997.

Mr Tshisekedi was re-elected in late December with more than 70 percent of the vote in the first round, but has yet to form a government, some five months after the elections.