DRC: Opening of the Trial for the assailants of the failed coup attempt
Last Friday, the military court of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began the trial of individuals accused of attempting, on May 19th, to stage a coup in Kinshasa and assassinate Vital Kamerhe, vice prime minister of the economy, who has since become president of the National Assembly. The first hearing, held at the Ndolo military prison near downtown Kinshasa, was dedicated to the identification of the defendants.
In total, 53 defendants, including 4 women, were brought before the Kinshasa-Gombe military court, sitting in a mobile court session. Among the accused is Marcel Malanga, son of Christian Malanga, leader of the “New Zaïre” movement, who was killed during the assault on the presidential palace.
This trial has drawn significant attention in the DRC, notably due to the prominent political figure of Vital Kamerhe and the dramatic circumstances surrounding the attack. The court systematically proceeded with the identification of the defendants, laying the groundwork for a trial that promises to be complex and potentially lengthy.
The opening of this trial marks a crucial step in the Congolese authorities’ response to attempts at political destabilization. The charges against the defendants include serious offenses, ranging from attempted coup to assassination, and participation in an insurrectional movement.
The presence of Marcel Malanga among the accused adds a particular dimension to the trial. His father, Christian Malanga, was a prominent figure in the “New Zaïre” movement, and his death during the attack on the presidential palace is a key element of the case. This family connection raises questions about the motivations and support behind the coup attempt.
