U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lucy Tamlyn, has expressed her deep concern over reports of American citizens allegedly participating in the attempted coup on Sunday morning.
The incident, which involved an attack on the National Palace, home to the country’s President Felix Tshisekedi, has raised alarm and prompted a robust response from both Congolese and international authorities.
“I am shocked by the events of this morning and very concerned by reports of American citizens allegedly involved,” Ambassador Tamlyn stated. “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.”
The attempted coup, which targeted the residence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, Vital Kamerhe, resulted in a fierce exchange of gunfire that left two police officers and one attacker dead.
During the ensuing operations, the leader of the armed group, Christian Malanga, was killed by DRC commandos attached to the Presidential Guard. His 22-year-old son and several other attackers were arrested, some of whom were found to possess U.S. and Canadian passports.
The Congolese army spokesperson, Brigadier General Sylvain Ekenge, announced on public television that the FARDC had successfully foiled a coup d’état and assured the public that the situation was under control. He urged the people of Kinshasa to resume their daily activities without fear.
