Reports of a military coup in Congo Brazzaville while President Nguesso is in the US

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
17 September 2023 | 21:11 CAT
1-min read

Picture: Britannica

A military coup is reportedly unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Congo’s Minister of Communication and Media, Thierry Moungalla, released a statement on Twitter (X) to refute the claims amidst a flurry of rumours circulating on social media over the weekend.

”URGENT – Fanciful information suggests serious events that may be underway in #Brazzaville. The Government denies this fake news. We reassure public opinion about the calm that reigns and invite people to calmly go about their activities. #ComGouvCg” Moungalla’s tweet read.

No one yet knows who is behind the alleged coup, but local media reports on Sunday pointed to the commander of the Presidential Guard as a potential figure involved in the unfolding events.

Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso is reportedly in New York, United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly. Meanwhile, reports indicate that military forces began to seize key facilities and government installations in the capital city of Brazaville.

Nguesso has been a prominent figure in Congolese politics for an extended period, having first taken office in 1979. His rule has been marked by both stability and controversy, with critics alleging human rights abuses and a lack of democratic freedoms.

This comes after the Niger coup in July and the Gabon coup in August.

Passing Of A Struggle Stalwart

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 05 March 2026 1-minute read South Africa loses yet another struggle hero with the passing of Mosiuoa Terror Lekota, who, after suffering from a long illness, succumbed in the early hours of Wednesday morning. COPE’s Teboho...

Iran–Israel tensions escalate as regional war fears mount

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read 04 March 2026 Tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States have shifted from heated rhetoric to direct confrontation, raising urgent concerns about a wider regional war. Strategic US assets and allied bases...

Ormonde building collapse claims nine lives as investigations begin

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read | 04 March 2026 The death toll in the Ormonde building collapse in Johannesburg has risen to nine, following the recovery of three additional bodies on Thursday morning. The two-storey structure, which was still...

Gauteng water crisis dominates Lesufi’s 2026 SOPA

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read 03 March 2026 Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi delivered his 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) against the backdrop of an intensifying water crisis that left several communities without water for weeks,...

Tourism sector urged decisive budget shift following 2026 National Budget

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read | 03 March 2026 South Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry closely watched Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 2026 National Budget Address this week, calling for a decisive shift in government spending to...

S.A’s National Debt Repayment Looks Positive

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 26 February 2026 2-minute read At the 2026 Budget Speech delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, the National Treasury’s efforts to reprioritise the repayment of SA’s national debt by decreasing spending and increasing...