Early Sunday, the Congolese army announced the thwarting of a coup attempt in the capital, Kinshasa.
The confrontation, which involved armed men in military uniforms and the guards of a senior politician, resulted in three fatalities. Authorities have arrested the perpetrators.
The attack occurred at the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a prominent federal legislator and candidate for Speaker of the National Assembly. His spokesperson, Michel Moto Muhima, confirmed on social media that Kamerhe and his family were unharmed and that their security has been bolstered.
The shootout, which began around 4:30 a.m. on Tshatshi Boulevard—just 2 kilometers from the presidential palace—left two police officers and one attacker dead. Local media reports identified the assailants as Congolese soldiers, though their intentions remain unclear.
Footage from the area depicted military trucks and heavily armed personnel patrolling the otherwise deserted streets.
This incident occurs amidst a political crisis within President Felix Tshisekedi’s ruling party, sparked by a postponed parliamentary leadership election.
President Tshisekedi recently warned parliamentarians that he would consider dissolving the National Assembly and calling for new elections if internal conflicts persisted.
Tshisekedi’s re-election in December was marred by allegations of electoral irregularities, continuing a pattern of disputed elections in the central African nation.
In response to the violence, the United States Embassy in Congo issued a security alert, advising caution following reports of gunfire.
