3 Americans Sentenced For Unsuccessful Coup plot

Three American citizens have been deported to the United States to serve out their life sentences for their roles in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The trio of Marcel Malanga Malu, Tylor Thomson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin, were among 37 individuals sentenced to death by a military tribunal last September, but their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment just last week.

The foiled coup attempt involved an attack on the presidential palace and the residence of a close ally of President Félix Tshisekedi in May 2024. The suspects were convicted on charges including terrorism, criminal conspiracy, and attempted overthrow of the government, which they denied. Christian Malanga, a Congolese-born US citizen and father of one of the convicts, was killed during the attack alongside five others.

The repatriation process was expedited through collaboration between the US State Department and its embassy in Kinshasa. US authorities confirmed the transfer, emphasizing their support for DR Congo's efforts to hold perpetrators accountable while advocating for humane treatment and fair legal processes.

The repatriation comes amid growing diplomatic engagement between the US and DR Congo, particularly regarding strategic economic interests. A senior adviser to former US President Donald Trump recently visited Kinshasa, confirming discussions on potential cooperation in the mining sector. DR Congo boasts vast mineral reserves, including coltan and cobalt, critical components in electronics and electric vehicle batteries.

The fate of other foreign nationals convicted in connection with the unsuccessful coup, including citizens of the UK, Belgium, and Canada, remains uncertain as at the time of filling this report. Jean-Jacques Wondo, a Belgian-Congolese dual national, was transferred to Belgium in February due to medical concerns.

According to Joseph Szlavik-Soto, a lobbyist for the Congolese government, DR Congo has agreed to compensate for damages caused during protests earlier this year, which targeted the US Embassy and other diplomatic mission although US officials are yet to issue statement on the development.