President Felix Tshisekedi is apparently safe after the Democratic Republic of Congo military claimed its troops had thwarted an attempted coup on Sunday May 19.
Streets of the capital Kinshasa appeared deserted as news of the failed coup was confirmed by the army.
There had been no word from Mr Tshisekedi who won re-election last year.
According to army spokesperson, Major General Sylvain Ekenge, Congolese and foreign fighters were involved in the abortive attempt to seize power.
Speaking on state television, he assured Congolese that the army has neutralised the failed putschists who have been detained.
The Congolese army urged the Congolese population to go about their business after the situation was put under control.
Earlier on Sunday, uniformed gunmen attacked the home of ex army chief and current deputy vice-president Vital Kamerhe, who is an ally of Mr. Tshisekedi and exchanged fire with his personal bodyguards.
Three people are known to have been killed in the gunfight including two of Kamerhe’s guards and one of the assailants.
A video that has gone viral on social media shows around ten armed men, speaking in Lingala taking up positions inside the presidential palace without facing any opposition.
However, the army later claimed they have been “neutralised, including their leader”.
Meanwhile the assailants have been linked to the so-called New Zaire Movement led by Congolese politician Christian Malanga who was recently quoted as saying the army will not continue to back Mr Tshisekedi.
WN/as/APA