International Affairs

American Citizens Involved in Botched DRC Coup Attempt Head Back to U.S. for Sentencing

Krishn patel

Krishn patel

— 1 min read

Three American citizens implicated in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are on their way back to the United States, according to NPR. The U.S. embassy in Kinshasa has confirmed that Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun have been handed over to American authorities.

Key Points:

  • Involvement: The three men were part of a group of 37 individuals sentenced to death by a military court in September for attempting to overthrow the government of President Felix Tshisekedi.
  • The Leader: The coup was led by Christian Malanga, the father of Marcel Malanga, a Congolese political exile and longtime U.S. resident. Christian Malanga was killed during the operation.
  • Sentences Commuted: Initially sentenced to death, their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment shortly before by President Trump's senior adviser to Africa, Massad Boulos.
  • U.S. Authorities Take Custody: The U.S. embassy in Kinshasa verified that the three Americans are now in the custody of U.S. authorities.
  • Speculation Surrounding Massad Boulos' Visit : There was speculation surrounding a possible minerals-for-security deal during Massad Boulos visit to Central African country last week.

The attempted coup, which was partially broadcast on social media, was quickly thwarted.

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