DR Congo Government: Rebels planned coup

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have seized dozens of people they claim are responsible for a spate of jail breaks, saying the group had planned to overthrow the government.

Members of the Bundu Dia Kongo militia, known as BDK, are accused of attempting to unseat President Joseph Kabila's government. The group has been seeking to restore a pre-colonial kingdom in the western part of the country, as well as in parts of Angola and Gabon.

DR Congo police spokesperson Pierrot Mwanamputu said that they were planning to attack the airport. “They came from different routes to try and capture the state broadcaster RTNC,” said the spokesperson.

Those in custody could face charges ranging from terrorism to attempting to overthrow a legitimate government, both of which are punishable by death.

The police say files against the suspects will soon be submitted to the courts for prosecution.

BDK is also accused of attempting another prison break in the outskirts of Kinshasa in which 12 people were killed. In January 2007, the group demonstrated against provincial elections which led to violent clashes where 134 people died.