Utah Men Involved in Failed Congo Coup Now in US Custody

Two Utah men, along with another American citizen, who were imprisoned in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a failed coup attempt, have been handed over to U.S. custody. The news was confirmed by U.S. diplomats and the Congolese presidency.

The three Americans are Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun. Malanga is the son of opposition figure Christian Malanga, who led the coup. Thompson, a friend of Malanga, was reportedly in Africa for a "free vacation".

All three were sentenced last September by a military court in Congo, along with 34 other defendants, for their involvement in the coup attempt that targeted the presidential palace in Kinshasa.

Their release comes amidst ongoing negotiations between the United States and Congo concerning security and mining interests. It has been reported that President Trump's Africa advisor, Massad Boulos, traveled to Congo to meet with President Felix Tshisekedi to finalize the deal.

The U.S. is interested in partnering with Congo to explore critical mineral resources, essential components in mobile phones and electric cars. Currently, these resources are predominantly exploited by China and its mining companies.

A U.S. source familiar with the situation indicated that the three Americans may face charges in the United States related to their involvement in the coup attempt. The State Department has expressed interest in critical minerals partnerships with Congo, especially after a Congolese senator proposed a minerals-for-security agreement.