Congolese army says it has thwarted attempted coup
The Democratic Republic of Congo's armed forces have repelled an attempted coup d'etat involving Congolese and foreign fighters, an army spokesperson says.
"An attempted coup d'etat has been put down by the defence and security forces," spokesman Sylvain Ekenge said in a televised address on Sunday.
"The attempt involved foreigners and Congolese.
"These foreigners and Congolese have been put out of action, including their leader."
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW
He did not specify whether this meant they had been detained or killed.
Tina Salama, a spokeswoman for President Felix Tshisekedi, also confirmed to Reuters that the presidential palace had been attacked on Sunday morning but the army had retaken control.
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 social media platform X.
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.
Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term as president in December, but has yet to name a government, six weeks after appointing a prime minister.