Democratic Republic of the Congo - May 2024

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. NGO, Human Rights Watch voiced concerns that the deceased attackers may have been summarily executed by Congolese soldiers. 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.

Update: On 13 September 2024, a military court in Kinshasa sentenced 37 people to death for their role in the 19 May coup attempt, having convicted them of a variety of charges, including criminal conspiracy, attack and (in the case of all but one) terrorism. Fourteen defendants were acquitted.

Sources: Jeune Afrique (1), Africa Confidential, The Economist, Associated Press News, Jeune Afrique (2), Council on Foreign Relations, Jeune Afrique (3).