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.