The leader behind an attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday has been killed, and around 50 individuals, including three American citizens, have been arrested, according to a spokesperson for the Central African nation’s military.
Early morning gunfire erupted in the capital Kinshasa, where armed men attacked the presidential palace in the city center as well as the nearby residence of Vital Kamerhe, a parliamentary member tipped to become speaker.
Reports indicate one attacker was killed at Kamerhe’s home, where two guards also died. A shell fired from Kinshasa struck neighboring Brazzaville, injuring several people in the Republic of Congo.
The army spokesperson named U.S.-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga as the coup leader, stating he was “neutralized” during the attack on the presidential palace. Around 50 people, including Malanga’s son and two other American citizens, were arrested and are being interrogated.
A video seemingly streamed by Malanga expressed frustration with President Tshisekedi and Kamerhe. The U.S. ambassador condemned any alleged American involvement in the “criminal acts.” The UN mission chief also denounced the incidents.
Tshisekedi recently won re-election but has not yet formed a new government, delaying the parliamentary speaker vote initially scheduled for Saturday.