The three Americans who failed to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration in a coup attempt are back in the United States and will serve their sentences in the United States after being sentenced to death by a military tribunal in September 2024.
One of the three Americans, Marcel Malanga, 21, was the son of Christian Malanga, an opposition leader who spearheaded the failed coup attempt against Kinshasa’s presidential palace.
Congolese police reported that the older Malanga, who livestreamed from the palace throughout the attempt, was subsequently slain when he resisted being taken into custody. According to Marcel Malanga, he was coerced into participating by his father.
Also repatriated were Tyler Thompson Jr., 21, a friend of the younger Malanga who flew to Africa from Utah for what his family believed was a free vacation, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, who is reported to have known Christian Malanga through a gold mining company.
“We also strongly condemn the armed attacks of May 19th and support the DRC authorities in holding those responsible appropriately accountable. At the same time, we seek consistent, compassionate, humane treatment and a fair legal process on behalf of those U.S. citizens,” said Tammy Bruce, State Department Spokesperson.
The pardon and repatriation came amid efforts by Congolese authorities to sign a minerals deal with the U.S. in exchange for security support in the fight against rebels in eastern DRC.
Since January, the Congolese armed forces have been struggling to contain a rapid offensive by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group in North and South Kivu provinces
