In brief
Three Americans, previously sentenced to death for their roles in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been repatriated to the United States after their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. The men, Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, were involved in a May 2024 attack on Congo’s government that led to a violent confrontation near the presidential palace. Their transfer comes amid discussions over potential U.S.-Congo partnerships concerning the country's vast mineral resources amid ongoing conflict in the region.
On April 9, 2025, a spokeswoman for the Congolese presidency announced that the three American citizens were on their way back to the U.S. after being granted individual clemency. Previously, they were among 37 individuals sentenced to death in October 2024 in connection with an attack that included gunfire directed at the presidential premises. The official, Tina Salama, shared images of the men boarding a plane en route to the United States, where they would now serve their life sentences.U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed their transfer, noting that they are now in American custody. However, the Justice Department has yet to provide information regarding the specifics of the sentence execution for the three men. Their repatriation closely followed a meeting between an American delegation and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, who has expressed interest in collaborating with the U.S. on exploiting the nation’s mineral wealth, crucial for renewable energy infrastructure.Congo, rich in essential minerals like cobalt and lithium, has seen its government struggle against an armed uprising led by the M23 group, with alleged backing from Rwanda. Amid these tensions, Trump’s senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos, indicated plans for future agreements between Congo and the U.S. regarding mineral resources. Tensions around the conflict and the fate of the American citizens were previously highlighted by Trump's special envoy for hostages, Adam Boehler.The failed coup involved a dramatic attack that led to the death of the coup leader, Christian Malanga—a Congolese politician known for his opposition stance—who was killed during the fracas. Claims of innocence have been made by Marcel Malanga, who stated he and fellow American, Tyler Thompson, were coerced into participation while visiting his father. Benjamin Zalman-Polun's affiliation was through business connections related to Christian Malanga.As the situation unfolds, the outcome of the U.S.-Congo negotiations, coupled with security developments in eastern Congo, will undoubtedly influence the broader dynamics of international relations in the region.Elian Peltier is The Times’ West Africa correspondent, based in Dakar, Senegal.
