President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
The Democratic Republic of Congo was shaken by a foiled coup attempt led by fringe politician Christian Malanga and his American business partner. Malanga, 41, was killed as his group of armed men tried to enter the presidential residence. His partner, Benjamin Zalman-Polun, an American cannabis entrepreneur, was also arrested. The duo were involved in mining and cannabis ventures in the region. Malanga broadcasted the coup attempt on Facebook, calling for a new era inspired by Mobutu Sese Seko. This marks the first coup attempt in the region since the successful 2017 Zimbabwe coup.
President Tshisekedi, who recently won a contested second term, faces increasing insecurity in the country. Forces swiftly stopped the attempted coup, ensuring public safety. As tensions rise, with the withdrawal of MONUSCO forces, the region faces a new wave of political turmoil.