Fighting in Congo

Army has apparently thwarted coup attempt

Police roadblock near the residence that was attacked(Bild: APA/AFP/ARSENE MPIANA)

The armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo have apparently thwarted an attempted coup by Congolese rebels and "foreign" fighters.

Defense and security forces were able to put down the attack on the presidential palace in the capital Kinshasa immediately, army spokesman Sylvain Ekenge said in a speech on state television. In the course of the fighting, some of the coup plotters and their leader were "put out of action".

Attack on the residence of the Deputy Prime Minister
In the early hours of Sunday morning, unknown assailants reportedly surrounded the residence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy in Kinshasa. Armed men dressed in military uniforms tried to break into Vital Kamerhe's residence at 4.30 a.m. local time (5.30 a.m. CEST), Kamerhe's spokesman said on Platform X.

Vital Kamerhe is running for the post of Speaker of Parliament. His candidacy has met with harsh criticism from parts of the ruling party.(Bild: APA/AFP/Arsene Mpiana)

Two security forces and one attacker were killed. Kamerhe and his family are believed to have remained unharmed. Security around the residence has been tightened.