Coup attempt reported in Congo

Security officers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo took control of state radio early on Friday, but troops loyal to the government retook the station soon afterwards, the government said.

"The situation is now calm," government spokesman Vital Kamerhe said.

Some officers in the presidential guard took control of the state radio at 2:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Friday morning, but loyalist soldiers retook control two and a half hours later, he said.

Information Minister Vital Kamerhe also said on radio that the coup attempt was thwarted overnight in the capital after Major Eric Lengue announced on national radio he had taken control in Kinshasa and the government had resigned.

Lengue and his backers took control of the national radio and television offices, then the national electricity company, SNEL, before the attempted coup was thwarted, according to the minister.

Kaurdu Kafango, spokesman for Congolese President Joseph Kabila, said on Friday morning that officers behind the attempt had retreated to a military base within Kinshasa, without violence.

An outbreak of gunshots were heard near the state house at around 6:00 a.m. (0500 GMT), the cause and casualties remain unclear. Deputy speaker of the parliament said President Kabila is safe a few hours ago.

Many villagers living in the suburb of Kinshasa chose to flee their hometown for fear of conflicts.