Three Americans have been identified among the suspects in Sunday’s coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
DRC army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge stated that the attempt involved both “foreigners and Congolese.”
“These foreigners and Congolese have been neutralized, including their leader,” Ekenge announced.
Ekenge added that several suspects have been detained and the situation is now under control, though he did not provide further details about the incident.
US Ambassador to the DRC, Lucy Tamlyn, expressed shock and concern upon learning of American citizens’ involvement.
Local media published photos of two men with their hands clasped and a passport showing that one of them is a 36-year-old US citizen born in Maryland.
“Please be assured that we will cooperate with the DRC authorities to the fullest extent as they investigate these criminal acts and hold accountable any U.S. citizen involved in criminal acts,” Tamlyn tweeted.
The army’s announcement of successfully thwarting a coup attempt came hours after armed men attacked the house of Vital Kamerhe, former chief of staff and close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi.
Kamerhe’s residence is about two kilometres from the presidential palace.
Michel Muhima, Kamerhe’s spokesperson, had said the gunmen clad in military uniform engaged the politician’s guards in a shootout, leaving three people dead.
