Gunfire follows coup attempt
2004-06-11 08:58
Kinshasa - Heavy automatic weapon fire broke out in Congo's capital early on Friday after what the government had described as an overnight failed coup attempt.
Heavy bursts sounded in the city centre, and residents reached by telephone reported heavy gunfire around the private residence of President Joseph Kabila as well.
Shooting started just hours after what government ministers described as a quickly quashed coup attempt by an "isolated movement" within Congolese security forces.
Officers behind the attempt briefly took over state radio and TV to declare they were "neutralising" Kabila's government.
Information Minister Vitale Kamerhe earlier had said the coup officers had retreated to a military base within Kinsahsa.
- AP