Congo Government Denies Coup Attempt

The government of the Republic of the Congo, popularly known as Congo-Brazzaville, led by President Denis Sassou Nguesso, has refuted claims of a coup attempt in his country. 

Several social media posts stated on Sunday that a coup attempt was taking place in the country while the president was overseas. 

Thierry Moungalla, the country's Minister of Communication and Media, quickly discredited it on his X (previously Twitter) profile. 

“URGENT – Fanciful information suggests serious events that are underway in Brazzaville. 

“The Government denies this fake news. We reassure public opinion about the calm that reigns and invite people to calmly go about their activities,” the minister tweeted. 

The president of the country is a former military officer who has been in power since 1997. 

It should be noted that Africa has seen seven coups since August 2020, before the one in Gabon. 

The military declared the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023. General Abdourahamane Tiani takes over as the country's new strongman. 

On August 10, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stated its intention to deploy a regional force to "restore constitutional order," while remaining committed to the diplomatic way. 

In the latest of the coups, early on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, a group of Gabonese military officers announced a takeover of power and an annulment of the results of Saturday’s election, which they claimed lacked credibility. 

The announcement came shortly after the state election body said President Ali Bongo Ondimba had won a third term in office in the disputed elections. 

The son of former President Omar Bongo who ruled Gabon from 1967-2009, Ali Bongo, has ruled the country since 2009.