Marcel Malanga and others to serve sentences in U.S. after failed Kinshasa coup
The three Americans who were involved in the failed coup attempt against Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi in May 2024 have been repatriated to the United States and will now serve their sentences there.
Among the trio is 21-year-old Marcel Malanga, son of Christian Malanga, the opposition leader who led the foiled coup. The elder Malanga, who livestreamed himself from the presidential palace during the attempt, was later killed while resisting arrest, according to Congolese authorities. Marcel Malanga has claimed that his father forced him into participating.
Also repatriated were 21-year-old Tyler Thompson Jr., a friend of Marcel from Utah who allegedly believed he was traveling to Africa for a free vacation, and 36-year-old Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, a man reportedly connected to Christian Malanga through a gold mining company.
“We strongly condemn the armed attacks of May 19th and support the DRC authorities in holding those responsible appropriately accountable. At the same time, we seek consistent, compassionate, humane treatment and a fair legal process on behalf of those U.S. citizens,” said Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.
The pardon and repatriation come as Congolese officials are in talks with the U.S. government to secure a minerals deal in exchange for security assistance in their ongoing battle against the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group. Since January, Congolese forces have struggled to contain a major rebel offensive in North and South Kivu provinces.
Source: AfricaNews