DRC: Authorities begin trial of suspects of failed coup against President Tshisekedi
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have commenced the trial of 51 individuals, including three Americans, accused of attempting to overthrow the government of President Felix Tshisekedi last month.
The hearing, which was broadcast live on national TV and radio from N’dolo military prison in the capital, Kinshasa, showed defendants being ushered into the military court wearing blue-and-yellow shirts.
Six people were killed during the attempted coup on 19 May, including the suspected leader of the plot, Christian Malanga.
His son Marcel Malanga is among the US and foreign nationals who were arrested.
The trial of the suspects marks their first appearance in public since the failed coup that was stopped by the Congolese armed forces.
They face multiple charges, including financing terrorism, murder, and attempted assassination.
Other individuals of different nationalities who were also involved are on trial, says army spokesman General Sylvain Ekenge.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has declared that it has not been given access to its citizens in custody.
The attempted coup in the DRC highlighted the growing insecurity in the heavily endowed nation.
Despite this, many citizens have not benefited from the proceeds, with conflict, corruption, and poor governance making life difficult.
Clashes between the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and the government forces have further worsened the situation in the country’s eastern region.
