The government of the Republic of Congo has denied rumors of a coup attempt against President Denis Nguesso while out of the country.
Information Minister Thierry Moungalla in a statement on Sunday, September 17, said that there was no such attempt to remove the 80-year-old leader from power.
Additionally, according to information shared by government’s website, the report which was circulating on social media was fake news.
“The government denies this fake news. We reassure public opinion about the calm that reigns and invite people to go about their activities calmly,” the minister stated.
The clarification followed reports on social media that the military was trying to overthrow the president who is in New York for the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Congo President Nguesso among longest serving
President Denis Nguesso has been in power for 38 years and is the third longest serving president in Africa.
Nguesso became president after a military coup in 1979. In 1992, he lost a multi- party election but later regained power after a civil war in 1997.
The second and first longest serving African presidents are the president of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang and the president of Cameroon Paul Biya.
Recent Coups in Africa
Gabon is the latest African Nation that was hit by a coup. Ousted President Ali Bongo was detained in his own residence by the military.
The coup took place minutes after an announcement that he had won a contested election on Wednesday, August 30.
Bongo’s family had been in power for more than half a century. He faced aced accusations of election fraud and corruption.
Also Read: Gabon Coup: Military Takes Over After Ali Bongo Re-Election
However, the military later released Bongo despite the coup allowing him to move about because of his state of health.
Members of the African Union welcomed the coup despite attempted intervention by the international community.
Also Read: Gabon Coup: Military Frees Ali Bongo
Earlier in July 26, Niger was also hit by a coup after President Mohamed Bazoum was taken hostage by the troops of his own presidential guard.
Bazoum was handpicked by his predecessor Mahamadou Issoufou after serving as a foreign minister and interior minister. Issoufou stepped down after two five-year terms.
