DR Congo Roundup: Coup attempt, Biden-DR Congo flag controversy, fight against rebels
SADC frowns on coup attempt
Southern African Development Community (SADC) has condemned the attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo and commended the DRC army for foiling the insurgency. They called for adherence to the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and encouraged international support for the DRC people. According to the Chronicle, the leader of the attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday has been killed, and around 50 people, have been arrested, according to a spokesperson for the country's army. Gunfire erupted around 4 a.m. in the capital, Kinshasa. Armed men attacked the presidential residence in the city centre, stated spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge.
Coup leader a former captain
A former Congolese military captain led armed mutineers in a failed attempt to take over the president's residence and offices. Congolese forces are on high alert following the coup attempt. A former Congolese military captain, Malanga founded the opposition United Congolese Party (UCP) and spent a significant portion of his life in the US. Okay Africa reports that his family obtained political asylum when he was a child, and after many years in the DRC, he returned to the U.S. Before this, he ran for a parliamentary seat and was imprisoned by the administration of former President Joseph Kabila.
Biden-DR Congo flag controversy explained
A professor at Morehouse College unfurled a Democratic Republic of Congo flag behind President Joe Biden during his commencement address. The flag was a show of solidarity as security forces thwarted a coup attempt in the DRC. The United Nations reported a record high of 6.9 million internally displaced people in the DRC in October 2023 due to escalated violence. USA Today also added that Biden's address at the historically Black men's college was also partially overshadowed by pro-Palestinian protesters holding a rally organised under the banner of "Say No to Genocide Joe Speaking at Morehouse" about a mile away.
Americans identified as part of coup plotters
Two US citizens have been arrested for leading a failed coup to overthrow the government of Congo. The coup, led by opposition leader Christian Malanga, resulted in at least three deaths and dozens of arrests. The Independent adds that the US has vowed to cooperate in the investigation and the country's ambassador to Congo has expressed concern about the involvement of US citizens. The attackers targeted the country’s presidential palace and the residence of politician Vital Kamerhe.
Drones to fight rebel attacks
The Democratic Republic of Congo has received three new CH-4 Rainbow drones from China to use in the fight against rebels in the east of the country. This is part of a larger effort to enhance the capabilities of the Congolese military. Other African countries will also import Chinese military drones for defence. According to Military Africa, the affordability of Chinese drones, coupled with the less stringent conditions for their purchase, makes them an appealing choice for countries looking to enhance their defence capabilities.
