Why Gunfire Erupted Near Félix Tshisekedi's Presidential Offices in Kinshasa
Heavy gunfire erupted near the DRC presidential offices in Kinshasa after more than 30 military detainees allegedly attempted to escape from a military detention facility.
Residents living near the Cité de l’OUA complex, which hosts the offices of the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), were gripped by fear overnight after sustained gunfire echoed through the area during an attempted prison escape.
The incident occurred in Ngaliema Commune, Kinshasa, where the sound of repeated gunfire alarmed residents and initially raised concerns about the security of key government institutions located within the high-security district.
Authorities later confirmed that the shooting broke out after more than 30 detainees attempted to escape from a detention facility operated by the Military Prosecutor's Office in Ngaliema.
Troops from the Republican Guard (GR), the elite unit responsible for protecting the country's top leadership and strategic state institutions, were deployed to pursue the escapees. According to reports, many of the detainees were quickly recaptured and returned to custody.
One of the recaptured detainees was seen injured, with blood visible on his hands and clothing. Witnesses said he pleaded with soldiers while being questioned after his arrest.
As of the morning of July 21, 2026, Republican Guard troops were reportedly continuing search operations for detainees who remained at large, with security maintained around the area as authorities worked to restore order.
