In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the trial of individuals accused of the attacks of May 19, 2024 continued on July 15 in Kinshasa. They are charged for their alleged participation in the assault on the residence of Vital Kamerhe, current president of the National Assembly of the DRC. After this attack, they had taken refuge in the Palais de la Nation, in one of the offices of the country’s president, Félix Tshisekedi. This Monday was partly devoted to hearing the owners and employees of the hostel where the attackers were staying, including their alleged leader Christian Malanga.
2 min
With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
The investigation of the case concerning the failed coupand the attack on Vital Kamerhe’s residence on May 19, 2024 in DRCcontinued on July 15 before the Gombe garrison military court, sitting in a mobile court at the Ndolo military prison. Around fifty people are in the dock.
The hearing focused mainly on the responsibility of the owners and agents of the Momo hostel, where Christian Malanga and his companions stayed during their visit to Kinshasa.
Workers at Momo Hostel claimed that they had no involvement in his activities and that he had introduced himself under the false name of David.
The court also heard Maguy Mata and her husband, owners of the hostel, prosecuted for criminal conspiracy and financing of terrorism. They denied all the accusations, explaining that they did not know that Christian Malanga was using a false name. The husband admitted to having exchanged once by WhatsApp with Malanga, who complained about the electricity problems in the hostel. He specified that he had never provided material support to Malanga and had even refused to rent him a generator.
Canadian passport holder accused of financing terrorism
The hearing also examined the case of the defendant Ruffin Nkiele Mbwela, a Canadian passport holder, accused of financing terrorism. He was on the bus that transported some of the attackers. He allegedly gave money to Malanga, according to the prosecution. Ruffin Nkiele Mbwela denied these accusations, saying he was forced to wear the uniform after being kidnapped.
The hearing is suspended and will resume on July 19. Since the start of the investigation, Several defendants were interviewed for serious offences such as terrorism, illegal possession of weapons, attempted murder, and financing of terrorism.
Since June 7ththis court, sitting in the Kinshasa military prison, is trying 51 people, including three Americans, for what the army has described as “ attempted coup “.