The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo must ensure that those involved in the attempted coup are brought to justice through fair trials, as stated by Human Rights Watch today. It is also crucial for the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killings of coup participants by security forces.
Further information is still being revealed about the attempted coup carried out by around 50 Congolese and foreign individuals in Kinshasa, the capital, on May 19, 2024. Reports from the media suggest that the coup resulted in the deaths of at least two security guards and one civilian, with several coup participants reportedly being killed by security forces. Additionally, there are indications that at least two coup participants may have been killed while attempting to escape custody.
Human Rights Watch’s Central Africa director, Lewis Mudge, emphasized the government’s dual responsibility to safeguard the country’s security and ensure accountability for those involved in the coup attempt, in accordance with international fair trial standards. The government’s response should prioritize human rights, including the impartial investigation of potential security force implications in the alleged summary executions.
According to reports, Christian Malanga, a Congolese opposition leader based in the US, self-proclaimed “President of New Zaire,” and leader of a government in exile, was identified as the leader of the coup. Malanga, alongside his son and other participants, breached the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa, the president’s office, and also targeted the residences of high-ranking political figures.
Malanga was reportedly killed by Congolese security forces under unclear circumstances shortly after seizing the Palais de la Nation. President Félix Tshisekedi was inaugurated for a second term on January 20 following elections in December 2023 marked by logistical challenges, irregularities, and violence. Despite holding a parliamentary majority, Tshisekedi has faced difficulties forming a government.
It is reported that three US citizens, including Malanga’s son Marcel, participated in the failed coup. The US Ambassador expressed readiness to cooperate with Congolese authorities in investigating and holding accountable any American citizen implicated in criminal activities. Human Rights Watch urged US authorities to similarly investigate and prosecute any coup participant who may have violated US laws.
Malanga livestreamed the attack on the Palais de la Nation on his Facebook account, though the original livestream is no longer accessible. Human Rights Watch authenticated a copy of the livestream shared elsewhere, confirming its location at the palace where Malanga and armed individuals were seen issuing proclamations.
Human Rights Watch also identified two videos captured by Congolese soldiers and circulated widely on social media. One video depicted a group of men, including one Caucasian presumed to be a foreign coup participant, being shot at by soldiers near the Congo River. The second video captured soldiers leading a bloodied foreigner and Malanga’s son toward the Palais de la Nation.
Human Rights Watch emphasized the importance of enforcing the ban on torture and mistreatment of detainees and investigating possible extrajudicial executions by security forces. The attempted coup occurred amidst ongoing repression of free expression, media freedom, and peaceful assembly by the Congolese government since 2020.
The unfolding coup transpired amid escalated armed conflict in eastern Congo, with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels expanding their control around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
In recent years, West and Central Africa have witnessed a surge in coup attempts, posing threats to democratic institutions and disrupting peaceful power transitions. The African Union and various African authorities have denounced the attempted coup, with the AU’s Constitutive Act and Charter advocating for sanctions against unconstitutional leadership changes.
Mudge urged the Congolese government to view the crisis as an opportunity to exhibit a commitment to human rights and the rule of law, considering the region’s historical backdrop of coups and attempted coups.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).