DR Congo army says it has thwarted attempted coup in Kinshasa

"An attempted coup d'etat has been put down by the defence and security forces. The attempt involved foreigners and Congolese. These foreigners and Congolese have been put out of action, including their leader," spokesman Sylvain Ekenge said.

The spokesperson did not specify whether this meant they had been detained or killed.

Earlier, two guards and an assailant were killed in an attack on the nearby home of Vital Kamerhe, a member of parliament who is expected to be named speaker, Kamerhe's spokesman and the Japanese ambassador said in posts on X.

🔴 La résidence de l'honorable Vital KAMERHE a été attaquée vers 4h30', ce dimanche 19 mai 2024, par un groupe d'hommes armés en tenue militaire. Deux des policiers commis à sa garde, ainsi qu'un des un assaillant ont perdu la vie.
L'honorable Vital KAMERHE et sa famille sont… pic.twitter.com/GV2UNsH7LX

— Michel Moto Muhima (@MichelMoto1) May 19, 2024

The United States embassy issued a security alert on Sunday warning of "ongoing activity by DRC security elements" and reports of gunfire in the area.

(Reuters)