No fewer than three US citizens have been detained by authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt on Sunday.
Sylvain Ekenge, spokesperson for the DRC army, stated that the attempt implicated both foreign nationals and Congolese individuals.
“These foreign nationals and Congolese individuals, including their leader, have been apprehended,” Ekenge stated, noting that several suspects have been detained and the situation is now under control.
However, the army spokesperson did not provide additional details regarding the incident.
Lucy Tamyln, the US ambassador to the DRC, expressed shock and deep concern upon receiving reports of American citizens’ involvement.
Photographs of two men with interlocked hands were circulated in local media, along with images of a passport indicating that one individual was a 36-year-old US citizen born in Maryland.
“We will collaborate fully with DRC authorities as they investigate these criminal acts and hold any US citizen accountable for their involvement,” Tamlyn tweeted.
The army’s announcement of thwarting the coup attempt came after armed individuals attacked the residence of Vital Kamerhe, former chief of staff and close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi. Kamerhe’s residence is situated approximately two kilometres. from the presidential palace.
Michel Muhima, Kamerhe’s spokesperson, reported that gunmen dressed in military attire engaged in a shootout with the politician’s guards, resulting in three fatalities.
