“The government’s response needs to respect human rights, including by impartially investigating the alleged involvement of security forces in apparent summary executions,” said Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch, acknowledging that “the government has a responsibility to ensure the country’s security and hold those responsible for the coup attempt to account,” but that it should do so in a manner that meets international legal standards. Details are still emerging about the attempted coup carried out by a group of about 50 Congolese and foreign nationals in the capital, Kinshasa. HRW cited media reports indicating that the attempted coup resulted in the deaths of at least two security guards and one civilian, and that security forces killed several of the alleged coup plotters. At least two of the alleged coup plotters were reportedly killed while trying to escape custody. Christian Malanga, a United States-based opponent of the Congolese government who calls himself “president of the New Zaire” and leads a government-in-exile, allegedly led the plot. Malanga, his son, and other alleged coup plotters attacked the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa, which serves as the president’s office. The alleged coup plotters also attacked the residences of the prime minister, the defense minister, and another senior politician. Congolese security forces killed Malanga in unclear circumstances hours after he seized the Palais de la Nation. President Félix Tshisekedi was sworn in for a second term on January 20, following the December 2023 elections, which were marred by logistical problems, irregularities, and violence. Tshisekedi has yet to form a government, despite having a majority in parliament. HRW also noted that media reports indicated that at least three United States citizens, including Malanga’s son, Marcel, participated in the failed coup. US Ambassador to the DRC Lucy Tamlyn said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that the US will “cooperate fully with DRC authorities as they investigate these criminal acts and hold accountable any US citizen[s] involved.” The attempted coup took place after a sustained period in which the Congolese government has cracked down on the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and peaceful assembly. Since 2020, the authorities have increasingly repressed journalists, human rights and pro-democracy activists, government critics, and members and supporters of opposition parties. Security forces have repeatedly used unnecessary or excessive force, including lethal force, to block or disperse peaceful demonstrations. The attempted coup comes as armed conflict has escalated in eastern Congo, with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels continuing to seize territory around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. West and Central Africa have experienced a series of coups in recent years, undermining democratic institutions and the peaceful transfer of power. The African Union (AU) and several African governments have condemned the attempted coup. The AU’s Constitutive Act and its Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance support the imposition of sanctions on unconstitutional changes of government. “Congo and the region have a history of coups and attempted coups,” Mudge said. “The Congolese government should use this crisis as an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.” Also Read: Three of the alleged putschists in the DRC had a company in Maputo (Portuguese version)