Three Americans Convicted in Failed DR Congo Coup Repatriated to Serve Sentences in US

Three American citizens convicted for their role in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year have been transferred to the United States to complete their prison sentences.

The trio identified as Marcel Malanga Malu, Tyler Thomson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin , were originally sentenced to death by a Congolese military court before having their sentences reduced to life imprisonment last week.

Congolese presidential spokesperson Tina Salama confirmed the three left Kinshasa’s N’Djili International Airport on Tuesday under proper legal procedures. The transfer follows discussions between US and Congolese officials about strengthening judicial cooperation.

The Americans were among 37 people convicted for the May 2023 attack that targeted both the presidential palace and the home of an ally of President Félix Tshisekedi. They were found guilty of terrorism, criminal conspiracy and other charges, which they denied.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the men are now in American custody, while reaffirming US opposition to the coup attempt. Legal experts suggest they will likely serve their full sentences in the US.

The transfer comes as the US and DR Congo discuss potential multibillion-dollar investments in Congo’s mineral sector, including cobalt and coltan used in electronics.

The alleged coup leader, Christian Malanga, a US citizen of Congolese origin, was killed during the attack. His son Marcel was among those transferred. Another convict, a Belgian-Congolese dual national, was previously sent to Belgium due to health issues.

The fate of other foreign nationals convicted in the case, including citizens of Britain, Belgium and Canada, remains unclear.

Source: BBC & Reuters

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