On Sunday morning, according to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army, a coup attempt against President Feliz Tshisekedi in the capital Kinshasa has been foiled with over 50 accused, including three Americans and a naturalised British citizen, arrested.

Reportedly, there were attacks on the presidential palace and the house of Vital Kamerhe, the residence of former chief of staff and close aid of the president which left three people – two guards and an assailant – dead in Kinhasa. According to witnesses, a group of 20 armed men, dressed in army uniform, attacked the residence.

The assailants also occupied the Palais de la Nation, the office of the President of the Republic located in the centre of the city.

While the armed men were first identified as Congolese soldiers by the local media, they were then reported to be members of the New Zaire Movement associated with Christian Malanga, a formerly exiled opposition leader. Malanga, who had acquired American citizenship, had posted a video on Facebook threatening Tshisekedi from the presidential palace where he said, “Felix, you’re out. We are coming for you,” as per CBS News.

Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Sylvian Ekenge told The Associated Press that Malanga was killed at the palace after he resisted arrest by security forces.

Three US nationals, suspected CIA agents, are reportedly behind the alleged plot, as per the officials. Malanga’s son, Marcel Malanga, is also among the three American nationals arrested. Another of the arrested American national has reportedly been identified as Benjamin Zalman-Polun (36) from Maryland based on a passport seized from him.

The moment Christian Malanga Son and an American Man were captured by the Republican Guard after their aborted coup d”état in Congo 🇨🇩. They hid near the river so they could cross late at night to Brazzaville 🇨🇬. pic.twitter.com/RRjM3XXEB9

— Typical African (@Joe__Bassey) May 20, 2024

Japanese ambassador in the capital has warned nationals to remain inside and avoid travelling.

Lucy Tamlyn, the US ambassador to DR Congo, said that she was “shocked” and “very concerned” by reports of Americans allegedly being involved in the failed coup. “Please be assured that we will cooperate with the DRC authorities to the fullest extent as they investigate these criminal acts and hold accountable any U.S. citizen involved in criminal acts,” tweeted Tamlyn.

Je suis choquée par les événements de ce matin et très préoccupée par les rapports faisant état de citoyens américains prétendument impliqués. Soyez assurés que nous coopérerons avec les autorités de la RDC dans toute la mesure du possible alors qu’elles enquêtent sur ces actes…

— Ambassadeur Lucy Tamlyn (@USAmbDRC) May 19, 2024

President Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term in elections in December last year with 78 percent of the votes. At least 20 people were killed in an election- violence prior to the voting. His party, which dominates the national assembly, had been grappling with a crisis recently. Tshisekedi has faced accusations of arresting members of the opposition with impunity.