Three Americans, others arrested in Congo failed coup attempt

Three American citizens are among those arrested in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt, authorities said on Sunday, May 19.

The leader of the attempted coup, identified as Christian Malanga, was killed during attacks on the presidential palace and the residence of a close ally of Congo’s president.

The attacks which occurred on the nation’s capital, Kinshasa, left at least three people dead.

The U.S. ambassador to the country, Lucy Tamlyn, in a statement said: “I am shocked by the events of this morning and very concerned by reports of American citizens allegedly involved. 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.”

The coup reportedly began around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday near the residence of Vital Kamerhe, who is running to be speaker of the national legislature.