Coup attempt: “Malanga's jeep entered the Palace of the Nation without any resistance”

Out of 51 defendants, Yusufu Ezangi, prosecuted for criminal participation, is the first to give his testimony at this public hearing.

Faced with questions from the judges, Yusufu recounts what he knows about the May 19 event, from its genesis to the Palace of the Nation. ''How did you meet Christian Malanga? Where and for what purpose?'' the court asked.

The defendant explained that it was since 2017 that he got to know her in London, through his meetings.

And they will travel together everywhere, from Swaziland to the DRC within the framework of an NGO whose name he does not know. Then, he said he found himself forced into a movement called ''New Zaire'', without knowing why.

From Mangayi to raise awareness about the NGO through Lufu, Kasangulu, he arrives at Auberge Momo 19 in Ngaliema. There, Abubakar, another slain member of the gang, brings military uniforms made in Angola.

According to the leader of the gang, whom he quotes, their mission consists of capturing Vital Kamerhe, former Minister of the Economy, and bringing him to the Palais de la Nation to make him speak. Talking about what? Does the court ask the defendant? Only Christian Malanga knows, he says.

Before arriving at Kamerhe's house, around sixty people were forcibly taken with weapons aboard a Spirit of Life bus and their leader in his jeep. They first go to Jean-Pierre Bemba, who is absent.

Then, they go to Kamerhe's house where, according to him, no one was killed. And the wanted man is hiding in the dark.

Finally, the gang ends up taking over the Palais de la Nation. Here, according to defendant Yusuf, Malanga's "jeep forces all the barriers and enters the Palace of the Nation without any resistance."

“Ingeta, so be it, we have just taken power,” says the defendant, paraphrasing his leader, killed before his eyes.

According to the defendant's advice, their client played no major role in this event. He didn't kill anyone because he didn't know how to use a gun.

For its part, the public prosecutor maintains that Yusufu is the coordinator of the movement and recruiter in this affair. He participated in the killing of two police officers at Kamerhe's residence and was carrying a firearm. He produces the proofs.

The next hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 5.