In the early hours of Sunday morning, gunfire broke out in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, as armed men in military uniform clashed with guards of a top politician in a neighborhood near the presidential palace. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals, including two police officers and one of the attackers.
The armed men launched an attack on the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a federal legislator and former vice prime minister of economy. Fortunately, Kamerhe and his family emerged unharmed as his guards successfully repelled the assailants. Security measures have since been reinforced to ensure the safety of the politician and his loved ones.
Reports indicate that the attackers, believed to be Congolese soldiers, engaged in a shootout with Kamerhe's guards at the house on Tshatshi Boulevard, located just 2 kilometers from the presidential palace. The violent confrontation occurred amidst a backdrop of political tension, with Kamerhe vying for the position of speaker of the National Assembly of Congo in a delayed election.
Footage from the area captured military trucks and heavily armed men patrolling the deserted streets in the vicinity of the residence. The United States Embassy in Congo promptly issued a security alert advising caution to residents following the disturbing reports of gunfire in the area.
The incident underscores the fragile security situation in Congo and the challenges faced by political figures in the country. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motives behind the attack and to apprehend those responsible for the violence.
