Briton among instigators of failed coup in Congo, military officials say

The plotters sought to overthrow the government led by President Felix Tshisekedi Photo: CHRISTOPHE ENA/VIA REUTERS

A British man is detained by a senior leader of a failed coup d'etat with aimed at overthrowing the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), security forces said.

An unnamed Briton was number two in Sunday's plot and was being held among 50 suspects, including three Americans. .

The plot against President Felix Tshisekedi was reportedly led by Christian Malanga, an exiled opponent of the Congolese government who heads a minor opposition party.

Mr. Malanga, who was a “naturalized American,” was “finally neutralized.”

General Ekenge said that the conspirators consisted of several nationalities and that the security forces were holding «naturalized British subject number two.» groups.»

Armed men attacked the home of Vital Kamerhe, the former chief of staff and a close associate of Tshisekedi, early on Sunday morning.

Part of the security cordon in Kinshasa, where a coup attempt was thwarted on Sunday. Photo: SAMY NTUMBA SHAMBUYI/AP

Witnesses say a group of about 20 gunmen in army uniform attacked the house, followed by gunfire.

Two security guards and an assailant were killed in the attack on the house. -on Kamerhe, his press secretary and the Japanese ambassador said.

The men then went to the Palais des Nations, the office of the president located in the city. in the center, waving flags of Zaire, the name of the DRC under dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, overthrown in 1997.

The attackers initially planned to attack the home of Judith Suminwa, the prime minister, and the residence of Defense Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba, but were unable to detect their targets, leading to a change in plan, officials said.

The Foreign Office said it was aware of reports of the detention of a British citizen and was in contact with DRC authorities.

Lucy Tamlin, America's ambassador to Kinshasa, said she was shocked by the developments, while while the African Union strongly condemned the coup attempt.

'Shocked by events'

Ms Tamlin said: “I am shocked by the events of this morning and very concerned by reports of American citizens allegedly involved.”

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«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.»

The weekend's events were met with skepticism in Kinshasa.

“It [the government] is trying to divert our attention from social and security issues,” Joel, a civil servant, told AFP.

“I don’t think so.” that in the center of the capital, attackers will be able to storm the minister’s house or the Palace of the Nation without the knowledge of the authorities,” he said.