After receiving death sentences from a military tribunal in September 2024, three Americans who attempted a coup against President Felix Tshisekedi’s government are now back in U.S. custody, where they will serve their sentences.
Among them is 21-year-old Marcel Malanga, the son of opposition leader Christian Malanga, who orchestrated the failed coup aimed at the presidential palace in Kinshasa. According to Congolese authorities, the elder Malanga was killed while resisting arrest during the incident, and his son claims he was coerced into participating.
Also repatriated were 21-year-old Tyler Thompson Jr., a friend of Marcel who traveled to Africa from Utah under the impression he was going on a vacation, and 36-year-old Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, who reportedly had connections to Christian Malanga through a gold mining venture.
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the State Department, stated, “We strongly condemn the armed attacks of May 19th and support the DRC authorities in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. At the same time, we advocate for consistent, compassionate, and humane treatment, as well as a fair legal process for these U.S. citizens.”
The pardon and repatriation occurred as Congolese authorities sought to finalize a minerals agreement with the U.S. in exchange for security assistance in combating rebel forces in eastern DRC.
Since January, the Congolese military has faced challenges in managing a swift offensive by the Rwandan-supported M23 rebel group in the North and South Kivu provinces.
