Three U.S. citizens have been implicated in a thwarted coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that aimed to assassinate President Félix Tshisekedi and seize power. The plot, led by Congolese nationals, was intercepted by DRC security forces, resulting in the death of its leader, Christian Malanga. According to Congolese military spokesperson General Sylvain Ekenge, Malanga was a U.S. citizen, a claim that the U.S. State Department has denied.
The coup attempt also involved two other Americans who have since been detained by Congolese authorities. General Ekenge confirmed the details in a statement, emphasizing the swift action taken by security forces to neutralize the threat.
In response to the incident, U.S. Ambassador to the DRC Lucy Tamlyn expressed shock and condemnation. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), she promised full cooperation with Congolese authorities in their investigations. “The United States is committed to holding accountable any U.S. citizen involved in criminal acts,” Ambassador Tamlyn asserted.
The thwarted coup underscores ongoing political instability and security challenges in the DRC. President Tshisekedi’s government has been contending with various internal and external threats, and this latest development highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region.
The DRC government has assured the public that the situation is under control and that additional measures are being taken to prevent any further attempts to destabilize the country.
As investigations continue, the involvement of U.S. citizens in such a plot has raised significant concerns and underscores the need for robust international cooperation to address cross-border security threats. The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa has reiterated its support for the DRC government and its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation as more details emerge about the thwarted plot and its broader implications as this incident marks a significant moment in U.S.-DRC relations, with both nations working together to address the fallout from the failed coup and ensure stability in the region.
