Congo cannot thrive without dismantling its kleptocracy
thehill.comJan 01, 1900
The Facts
The Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) army Sunday said it had arrested around 50 people, including three US citizens, for allegedly attempting a coup.
A DRC spokesperson said a group of armed men attacked the presidency in the city center of the capital Kinshasa around 4 a.m. (local time) Sunday. The home of parliament member Vital Kamerhe, who's expected to be the next speaker, was reportedly also attacked.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Tshisekedi won his office amid accusations of corruption and questions about his legitimacy, and the people of the DRC remain impoverished and are searching for alternative leadership. Fighting corruption and improving governance are essential for peace and development, so the DRC must work with Western powers to empower the Congolese people instead of the nation's kleptocrats.
Establishment-critical narrative
Given the US' history of meddling in Congolese affairs — including the American private military company Bancroft's recent attack on Chinese-owned mines in the country — it wouldn't surprise the Congolese people if US mercenaries were involved here, too. Western nations, particularly the US, can't be trusted and the DRC will have to do its best without their help.