Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has conferred two Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) soldiers with the “Cross of Military Bravery and Bronze Star” for playing critical roles in the successful foiling of a coup d’etat attempt on 19th May, 2024.
In a presidential order issued on Wednesday, June 26 2024, Tshisekedi has rewarded Colonel Muteteke Jim and Lieutenant Colonel Tshala Kalambayi Dédé for the “acts of bravery accomplished” during the unfortunate coup and attacks carried out by former army officer Christian Malanga.
“Considering the acts of bravery accomplished by the latter during the attempt to destabilize the institutions of the Republic which occurred on May 19, 2024 at the initiative of a group of armed uncivilians, anxious to reward the high sense of patriotism, of duty and loyalty of these military officers whose exceptional courage demonstrated during these events is an example of self-sacrifice for the homeland,” the presidential order reads.
On May 19, the spokesperson for the Congolese army, Major General Sylvain Ekenge, announced that the FARDC had foiled a coup d’état at the Palais de la Nation in a brief message broadcast on public television where he revealed that several perpetrators of this act had been arrested.
