Tension grips DR Congo city amid revolt rumours

• Two police officers killed in shootout at home of opposition politician

Kinshasa, Saturday

Tension remains high in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s city of Goma after rumours of an attempted revolt went public.

A military attempt against local authorities by disgruntled politicians was planned for Sunday, according to Mr Ernest Kyaviro, the spokesman of the governor of North Kivu province.

Two policemen and two bodyguards were killed in an operation to thwart the mutiny at the home of a member of the outgoing National Assembly.

Mr Bakungu Mitondeke residence was among those searched for firearms.

Police allegedly recovered some automatic machine guns, ammunitions and military uniforms from Mr Mitondeke’s residence.

“The Intelligence Services knew that the MP was involved in militia activities and arms concealments,” Mr Kyaviro told reporters on Friday.

According to reliable sources, some high ranking military officers were also involved in the conspiracy.

However, the identity of the officers alleged to have been involved in the plot has not been made public.

But it was the province governor himself, Mr Julien Paluku, who initiated the police operation to neutralise the threat.

A radio journalist told the Nation that some seized militiamen claimed that the cities of Goma and Butembo were to be attacked simultaneously.

Denied knowledge

However, Gen Vainqueur Mayala, the military chief commander of the province, has denied knowledge of any such attempt in the province.

Mr Bakungu has been transferred to Kinshasa where he is expected to appear before a court.