 Tensions between the government and the army led to a serious crisis in January 1992.It was alleged that, in order to gain control of the army, members of Milongo's government spread rumors that the army was plotting a coup.Furthermore, in moves viewed as being directed against loyalists of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Milongo appointed Colonel Michel Gangouo, who had been implicated in a 1990 coup attempt against Sassou Nguesso, as Secretary of State for Defense on 2 January 1992.