Three Americans have been listed among suspects involved in Sunday’s coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Sylvain Ekenge, DRC army spokesperson, said the attempt involved “foreigners and Congolese.”
“These foreigners and Congolese have been put out of action, including their leader,” Ekenge said, adding that several suspects were detained and that the situation is now under control.
The army spokesperson did not provide further information concerning the incident.
Lucy Tamyln, US ambassador to the DRC, said she was “shocked” and very concerned to receive reports of American citizens being involved.
Pictures of two men with their hands clasped were published in local media, alongside pictures of a passport that indicated one was a 36-year-old US citizen born in Maryland.
“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,” Tamlyn tweeted.
The army’s announcement of successfully thwarting a coup attempt came hours after armed men attacked the house of Vital Kamerhe, former chief of staff and close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi, BBC reported.
The men also occupied the Palais de la Nation, the office of the President of the Republic which is located in the city centre, a place highly secured by the Republican Guard.
Japan’s ambassador in the Congolese capital has warned nationals not to go out.
President Tshisekedi has not made any public comment on the situation so far.
Local media reports said the assailants were members of the New Zaire Movement linked to formerly exiled DR Congo politician Christian Malanga, who has acquired American citizenship.
Mr Malanga was shot dead at the presidential palace after he resisted arrest by security forces, Mr Ekenge said.
His son, Marcel Malanga, was among the three American nationals arrested over the alleged coup attempt.
