On Sunday, May 19, 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) successfully thwarted a coup attempt against President Felix Tshisekedi. The coup was led by Christian Malanga, a Congolese opposition figure and self-proclaimed president of the “New Zaire government in exile,” along with several accomplices, including at least three American citizens.

The coup attempt involved an attack on the presidential palace and the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a federal legislator and a candidate for speaker of the National Assembly. The assailants, described as a mix of Congolese and foreign fighters, were met with resistance from the DRC’s security forces. The attack resulted in the deaths of two police officers and one of the attackers, with dozens of others arrested, including the American participants.

Brig. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge, the DRC’s army spokesperson, confirmed that the coup attempt was “foiled by the defense and security forces,” and that the situation was under control. The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.

The United States and the international community have condemned the coup attempt. US Ambassador to the DRC Lucy Tamlyn expressed shock and concern over the involvement of American citizens. The African Union also condemned the coup attempt and welcomed the control of the situation by the DRC’s security forces.

Christian Malanga, who had a history of criminal activities in the United States, was killed during the coup attempt. The coup attempt occurred at a time of political tension in the DRC, with President Tshisekedi having been reelected in December 2023 amid calls for a revote from the opposition over concerns about the election’s transparency.

The DRC, one of the poorest countries in the world despite its vast mineral wealth, has been grappling with political instability and violence for many years. The recent coup attempt adds another layer to the ongoing political and security challenges faced by the country.