The government of Congo Brazzaville has denied viral rumours that there was a coup attempt in the country.
Congo is headed by President Denis Sassou Nguesso.
Reports emerged on social media on Sunday evening, claiming a coup attempt was ongoing in the country while the president was away.
But in a swift reaction, the country’s Minister of Communication and Media, Thierry Moungalla, hurriedly debunked the rumours on his X handle.
“URGENT – Fanciful information suggests
serious events that are underway in Brazzaville.
“The Government denies
this fake news. We reassure public
opinion about the calm that reigns and
invite people to calmly go about their
activities,” his tweet reads.
URGENT – Des informations fantaisistes évoquent des événements graves qui seraient en cours à #Brazzaville. Le Gouvernement dément ces fake news. Nous rassurons l’opinion sur le calme qui règne et invitons les populations à vaquer sereinement à leurs activités. #ComGouvCg
— Thierry Moungalla (@ThMoungalla) September 17, 2023
The country’s president is a former military officer who has been in power since 1997.