Democratic Republic of the Congo - May

On 19 May, the Congolese army announced that it had foiled a coup attempt, having that morning halted an attack by armed men on the house of government minister, Vital Kamerhe, and the Palais de la Nation, the official (but empty) residence of President Félix Tshisekedi. According to the army’s spokesperson, the alleged coup attempt had been led by Christian Malanga, a Congolese politician who had been living in the United States and who live streamed the attack on Facebook. Around 50 suspected coupists were arrested, including three American citizens. At least two security guards, one civilian and several attackers (including Malanga) were reported to have been killed. The small number of alleged coupists and their choice of targets raised widespread questions, including about their motives and the possible impact of the attacks on the DRC’s politics. Government investigations were ongoing at the end of May.

Sources: Jeune Afrique (1), Africa Confidential, The Economist, Associated Press News, Jeune Afrique (2), Council on Foreign Relations