The government in Congo-Brazzaville has denied reports of an attempted coup against President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who has been in power for 39 years.
It follows rumours on social media that the military had been trying to oust the 79-year-old leader, who is currently in the US attending a UN summit with other world leaders.
"The government denies this fake news," Information Minister Thierry Moungalla posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, saying he wanted to reassure members of the public they could "go about their activities calmly".
The government’s website also posted a statement denying the coup attempt reports.
There has been a wave of coups across Africa in recent months, mostly recently in neighbouring Gabon, where the military seized power in August.
Mr Sassou Nguesso rose to power in the oil-producing central African country in a military coup in 1979. He lost Congo’s first multi-party elections in 1992 but regained power in 1997 after a civil war.
The Congolese leader is the third-longest serving president in Africa, after Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang Nguema and Cameroon's Paul Biya.
Latest Stories
-
Over 4,000 unpaid teachers demand payment of 16 months arrears from government
14 mins -
I’ve apologised to Gloria Sarfo over flight issues – AMAA Country Director
15 mins -
Ghana nearly lost $9 billion to arbitrary claims in last four years – Attorney General
34 mins -
FWSC responds to CLOGSAG strike declaration, urges return to negotiation
1 hour -
Members contribute to ‘transport’ national team – Volleyball Vice President laments financial struggles
1 hour -
New SHS curriculum provides adaptive learning pathways – EduWatch
1 hour -
Pay NABCO trainees – Mahama challenges Bawumia
2 hours -
Police ‘waiting for court date’ on Erastus’ case is a lie – Samson Anyenini
2 hours -
Sports facilities are better managed by institutions – UG Sports Director on maintenance of Legon stadium
2 hours -
Ghanaian businesses must align vision with strategy to mitigate ESG Risks – KPMG
2 hours -
MTN achieves 30% localisation of Scancom PLC
2 hours -
Attorney-General: Some lawyers sacrifice ethics for ‘cheap’ political gains
3 hours -
Bond market: Volume up by 12.45% to GH¢746m
3 hours -
Cedi records year-to-date loss of nearly 29%; one dollar going for GH¢17.10
3 hours -
‘Our priorities are wrong in Ghana’ – UG Sports Director on sports development
3 hours