Three Americans have been arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after what is believed to be their involvement in a failed coup attempt. The incident occurred in the capital city of Kinshasa and led to a shootout between the individuals and Congolese forces.
Reports suggest that the arrested men are suspected to be CIA operatives, although the US government has denied any official involvement.
Video footage circulating on social media captured two of the arrested men, who appeared bloodied and battered, pleading for mercy as they sat on the ground following the failed coup attempt.
The alleged leader of the coup, Christian Malanga, a US-educated former refugee, was among those arrested by the DRC military. Malanga’s son Marcel was also apprehended in connection with the incident.
In addition, a passport seized from one of the Americans bore the name Benjamin Zalman-Polun, a 36-year-old from Maryland with ties to Malanga.
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The attempted coup reportedly took place near the offices of President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa. General Sylvain Ekenge, a spokesman for the DRC military, announced on national television that the coup attempt had been thwarted and that approximately 50 individuals, including three Americans, were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation.
Heavily armed paramilitaries, some bearing US flags on their uniforms, were seen arriving at the president’s office during the incident. The group, which reportedly included individuals of various nationalities, targeted the homes of key government figures but failed to locate them.
The DRC has long been afflicted by violence stemming from competing paramilitary groups seeking control over its valuable mineral resources.
Concerns over waning US influence in Africa have escalated in recent months, particularly in the face of aggressive diplomatic efforts by China and Russia in the region.
President Felix Tshisekedi, who was re-elected with a significant majority, has faced accusations of suppressing opposition members. Following the coup attempt, security measures were heightened near the Palais de la Nation, although the situation in Kinshasa remained relatively calm.
The arrests of the Americans and the failed coup attempt serve as stark reminders of the ongoing instability and geopolitical tensions in the DRC and the broader region.
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