The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military prevented an attempted coup on Sunday near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa, as reported by an army spokesperson.The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military prevented an attempted coup on Sunday near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa, as reported by an army spokesperson.

According to him, the plot, involving both foreigners and Congolese citizens, unfolded in the early hours outside the residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe in the Gombe district, close to the president’s offices at the Palais de la Nation.

General Sylvain Ekenge announced on national television that the defence and security forces had successfully thwarted the coup attempt.

He said “An attempted coup d’etat has been stopped by the defence and security forces. The foreigners and Congolese…including their leader” would “all no longer cause any harm”.

Shots were heard near the Palais de la Nation during the attempted coup, as confirmed by various sources.

General Ekenge didn’t elaborate further on the incident, and AFP’s attempts to get additional information from official sources remain unanswered.

However by late morning, the city appeared calm.

Early social media reports suggested an armed attack on Kamerhe’s residence, with some assailants heading towards the Palais de la Nation.

“This morning, there was an armed attack at the residence of the economy minister,” wrote Japan’s ambassador Hidetoshi Ogawa on X.

He stated that Kamerhe “was not harmed, but two policemen and an assailant were killed according to sources.”

France’s ambassador reported hearing automatic weapons fire in the area and advised French nationals to steer clear of the location.

Videos circulating on social media depicted individuals in military attire at the Palais de la Nation, waving flags of Zaire, the former name of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the regime of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who was ousted in 1997.

Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was shot in a gun attack on Wednesday afternoon in Handlova, Slovakia.

He sustained injuries to his head and chest and was airlifted to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack on social media platform X, emphasizing its undemocratic nature.

She expressed sympathy for Fico and his family.

The Slovak Prime Minister is expected to make a statement regarding the assassination attempt shortly.

More to follow…… 

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain has officially announced that he will not be resigning, bringing an end to a period of intense political speculation.

His declaration, made during a public address on Monday, follows days of uncertainty surrounding his tenure.

Earlier reports had hinted at Sanchez’s potential resignation amidst ongoing investigations into his wife, Begona Gomez’s alleged involvement in influence peddling and corruption.

However, Sanchez clarified that his contemplation of resignation was not driven by political strategy but rather by concerns over growing polarization and the dissemination of deliberate misinformation within the political landscape.

Sanchez passionately addressed the need to combat the degradation of public discourse, stating, “For too long, we’ve allowed toxic methods to corrupt our political and public life, methods that were unthinkable just a few years ago… Do we truly desire this for Spain?”

He emphasized his conviction, declaring, “I have acted with a clear determination: either we declare ‘enough is enough’ or allow this deterioration of public life to shape our future and condemn our nation.”

Sanchez’s choice to remain in office was significantly influenced by a strong demonstration of support at the Socialist Party’s headquarters in Madrid, where enthusiastic supporters passionately chanted, “Pedro, stay!” This outpouring of solidarity occurred shortly after the public prosecutor’s office recommended closing the investigation into Gomez.

Sanchez’s reaffirmation of his leadership role comes at a pivotal juncture as he gears up to guide his party through the upcoming regional elections in Catalonia on May 12.

The Socialists are poised to contest against the pro-independence factions currently holding sway, underscoring the significance of his continued leadership.