A live-streamed attempted coup in Congo shakes the region
The involvement of Americans in the botched putsch is embarrassing for Washington as it tries to maintain influence
In the very early hours of May 19th around 50 armed and camouflaged men screeched through Kinshasa, Congo’s capital. First they attacked the home of Vital Kamerhe, a government minister. After a fruitless 40-minute firefight with his guards, the attackers moved on to the Palais de la Nation, the official residence of Félix Tshisekedi, the president.
This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “The coup will not be televised”
Middle East & Africa May 25th 2024
- The death of the president changes the power dynamic in Iran
- A death, an illness, and an uncertain Middle East
- The revolt against Binyamin Netanyahu
- How many people have died in Gaza?
- The ICC’s threat to arrest Binyamin Netanyahu has shocked Israel
- A live-streamed attempted coup in Congo shakes the region
- Chinese weapons are taking over in Africa
From the May 25th 2024 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Middle East & Africa
West African booze is becoming a luxury product
Female entrepreneurs are leading the charge
First, the ceasefire. Next the Trump effect could upend the Middle East
Will Israel and Donald Trump use the threat of annexation to secure a new grand bargain?
After 15 months of hell, Israel and Hamas sign a ceasefire deal
Donald Trump provided the X factor by putting heat on Binyamin Netanyahu, who insists the war isn’t over yet
A hidden refuge in Sudan that the internet, banks—and war—can’t reach
A visit to the Nuba mountains provides a glimpse into the future of the country
Violent jihadists are getting frustrated by the new Syria
Tipsy dancers, Christmas decorations, Shias and women’s rights are in the crosshairs
America concludes genocide has been committed in Sudan—again
The move highlights the magnitude of Sudan’s civil war but does little to end it