Tensions Reach Boiling Point: Tshisekedi Trapped in Fear as Congo Officers and Civilians Banned from Leaving Amid Coup Rumors

The political crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is growing fast. Tensions have reached a new level after President Félix Tshisekedi became suspicious of a possible coup attempt from within his own military. 

Reports from inside the country say that many senior officers in the army and police are now banned from leaving the country. This decision came directly from the top, after intelligence services allegedly told the president that a group of soldiers may be planning to remove him from power. 

Sources also say that even some civilians and government officials living in the capital city, Kinshasa, are not allowed to leave the city anymore. The government seems to fear that anyone leaving could be heading to join opposition movements, or even worse, to prepare a rebellion. 

The situation has left many wondering: is President Tshisekedi in full control of his government and military? Or is his regime slowly falling apart from the inside? 

It is being whispered in military circles that several officers currently in Congo are thinking about joining the AFC/M23 rebel coalition. These are the same rebels who recently took control of large parts of eastern Congo and have been in peace negotiations with the government in Doha, Qatar. 

AFC/M23 has gained strong influence on the ground and now claims they have the power to decide how state authority should be restored in eastern Congo. They believe the current government in Kinshasa is illegitimate and incapable of bringing peace. 

Some insiders say these military officers no longer believe in Tshisekedi’s leadership. They see the M23 as a more serious and powerful actor with a clear vision and real control. This has made the situation in Kinshasa even more fragile. 

The big question now is: will these discontented officers take action? Will they actually join M23 and try to remove Tshisekedi? Or will they remain silent out of fear of arrest? 

For now, no one knows. But the atmosphere in Kinshasa is full of tension, suspicion, and fear. People close to the government say trust between leaders and soldiers is breaking down quickly. 

These developments come just days after AFC/M23 leaders accused the government of continuing attacks in the east even while peace talks were underway. The rebels say they cannot trust a government that talks peace but acts like it’s at war. 

A few weeks ago, during peace talks in Doha, it was reported that Kinshasa officials begged M23 to at least let them keep control of a small area like Lubero or even a forest. One official allegedly pleaded, “Please, have pity on us.” 

This showed just how weak the Kinshasa regime has become in the face of M23’s military strength. 

The idea that soldiers inside Congo would want to join M23 is shocking, but not impossible. The army has long been accused of corruption, poor leadership, and low morale. Many soldiers are tired of fighting endless wars without seeing results. 

If senior officers begin to defect to M23, the whole balance of power in Congo could change. It would no longer be just a rebel group versus the government. It would become a full-on internal power struggle. 

Analysts say Tshisekedi’s decision to ban officers from traveling is a sign of deep fear. He is not just worried about external enemies, but about betrayal from within his own forces. 

There are also concerns that Tshisekedi’s leadership style has alienated key parts of the country, including communities that feel ignored, such as the Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese. These groups have often supported M23’s demands for justice and inclusion. 

In addition, regional dynamics are playing a big role. Rwanda has been accused of supporting M23, and the DRC signed a peace agreement with Rwanda in Washington in June. But the Doha process between M23 and the DRC government seems disconnected from the Washington deal. 

Without coordination between these peace efforts, real peace becomes harder to achieve. 

People in eastern Congo, especially in places like Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira, continue to suffer. They are the ones paying the highest price while politicians and soldiers fight for power. 

A coup, if it were to happen, would throw the country into deeper chaos. But for many Congolese, the current situation already feels like a silent war. 

For now, all eyes are on the Congolese army. Will it stay loyal to Tshisekedi? Or will cracks begin to show? 

Only time will tell. But one thing is clear—Congo is standing on the edge of a dangerous turning point.