The government of Congo has debunked any coup attempt against President Denis Nguesso, currently attending the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Minister of Information, Thierry Moungalla, took to Twitter yesterday to address the situation, assuring the public of the nation’s stability.
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“Fanciful information suggests serious events that are underway at #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.” Minister Moungalla tweeted in french. “
URGENT – Des informations fantaisistes évoquent des événements graves qui seraient en cours à #Brazzaville. Le Gouvernement dément ces fake news. Nous rassurons l’opinion sur le calme qui règne et invitons les populations à vaquer sereinement à leurs activités. #ComGouvCg
— Thierry Moungalla (@ThMoungalla) September 17, 2023
The unverified reports had suggested an ongoing coup attempt in Congo while President Nguesso was abroad, with speculation surrounding the involvement of the commander of the presidential guard.
Nguesso, a former military officer who has been in power since 1997, had himself participated in a military coup that ousted former President Alphonse Massemaba-Debat in 1968.
This situation has arisen in a broader context of concerns about the state of democracy in Africa, where military coups have become more frequent. Congo’s government, however, firmly denied any coup attempt.
“Fanciful information suggests there may be serious events underway in Brazzaville,” government spokesman Thierry Moungalla emphasized in a statement posted on Twitter. “The government denies this fake news.”
![The president of the Congo, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, answers questions from journalists after the meeting with French President Sarkozy at the Elysee Palace, Paris, France on July 5, 2007. [Photo/EFE]](https://news.switchtv.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/rss-efededaa2c112db322444809aa86d4ac3e8dfe364e5w-1024x683-1.webp)
Speculation regarding a military takeover began circulating on social media just as President Nguesso traveled to New York for the UNGA.
The uncertainty triggered investor concerns about political stability, causing a selloff of the nation’s dollar bonds. The yield on Congolese debt due in 2029 rose almost 600 basis points this month to 13.30%, marking the highest level this year.
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President Sassou Nguesso, aged 79, has been at the helm of Congo for nearly four decades. He initially led the country from 1979 to 1992 and later returned to power at the end of a civil war in 1997.
In a recent election, he secured a fourth five-year term as president two years ago.
