By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
Congo Brazaville has denied reports of coup attempt against President Denis Nguesso government .
Over the weekend, the internet was washed with social media reports of attempted coup against President Nguesso’s an uninterrupted 39 years regime.
According to the reports, there were coordinated military attempts to oust the 79-year-old, Nguesso from power.
President Nguesso was attending the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York when reports began circulating.
In response to these allegations, however, Congo Brazaville Information minister, Thierry Moungalla said on Sunday said the reports were falsehoods.
“The government categorically denies the spread of false information. We wish to reassure the public of the prevailing tranquillity and encourage everyone to carry on with their daily activities calmly.” Minister Moungalla said.
The government’s official website also published a statement reaffirming its rejection of any reports regarding an attempted coup.”
Denis Nguesso came to power in this oil-rich Central African nation through a military coup in 1979. Although he faced a temporary setback in 1992 when he lost Congo’s initial multi-party elections, he later reclaimed power in 1997 following a period of civil conflict.
Reports follow recent coup in neighboring Gabon where the army seized President Ali Bongo’s government and set up an interim military transitional government. Coup d’etat have been recently speculated in other African countries like Cameroon and Rwanda where heads of states reshuffled top army leaderships for fear of being ousted in power.
