Government Spokesperson, Thierry Moungalla, Refutes Allegations Amidst Political Unrest
In response to recent allegations circulating on social media platforms, Government Spokesperson Thierry Moungalla took to his official Twitter account on Sunday, September 17, 2023, to categorically deny their veracity. Moungalla emphasized that the information being disseminated online is entirely unfounded.
Moungalla stated, “Fanciful information suggests events that are underway in Brazzaville. All that is being alleged on social media is fake news,” in a tweet. He further assured the public of the nation’s stability, urging citizens to remain calm and carry on with their daily activities without apprehension.
These allegations emerged while the country’s President, Dennis Sassou Nguesso, was in New York to participate in the United Nations General Assembly. President Nguesso, a 79-year-old leader, has held office for over three decades.
These developments also occur against the backdrop of recent coups in Anglo-African nations, including Niger and Gabon. The most recent coup in Gabon resulted in the removal of President Ali Bongo, whose family had governed the country for more than five decades. Reports from the international broadcaster BBC indicated that the coup plotters in Gabon were linked to a specialized presidential guard unit.
In Niger, a similar scenario unfolded as the presidential guard played a pivotal role in the ousting of President Muhammed Bazzoum. In response, Nigeria and the entire Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a strong warning, vowing to intervene militarily if the coup plotters did not relinquish power to the democratically elected President.
Furthermore, the African Union swiftly condemned the actions of the coup plotters in both countries and imposed sanctions, excluding them from participation in the continental body’s activities.