Faith Nyasuguta
Three American citizens, previously convicted and sentenced to death for their roles in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been transferred to the United States to serve the remainder of their sentences. The individuals- Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, were among 37 people sentenced by a Congolese military court in September 2024. Their death sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment before their repatriation.
The coup attempt occurred on May 19, 2024, targeting the presidential palace in Kinshasa and the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi. The operation was orchestrated by Christian Malanga, a U.S.-based Congolese opposition figure and father of Marcel Malanga. Malanga was killed during the coup after resisting arrest. His son, Marcel, along with Thompson and Zalman-Polun, were apprehended and subsequently faced trial on charges including terrorism, murder, and criminal association.
Profiles of the Americans Involved:
Marcel Malanga, 21, is the son of Christian Malanga. He testified that he was coerced into participating in the coup under threats from his father. Marcel had traveled to the DRC at his father’s invitation, marking his first visit to the country.
Tyler Thompson Jr., also 21, hails from Utah and was a high school friend of Marcel. He traveled to Africa believing he was on a vacation, with all expenses paid by the elder Malanga. Thompson’s family maintains that he was unaware of the coup plans and had no intentions of engaging in political activities.
Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, had prior business dealings with Christian Malanga, including involvement in a gold mining venture in Mozambique. Zalman-Polun had previously pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in the U.S. in 2014.
The U.S. Department of State confirmed the repatriation, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce stating that the three individuals are now in U.S. custody. The transfer was coordinated in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa.
This development comes amid discussions between the U.S. and the DRC regarding potential multibillion-dollar investments in the DRC’s vast mineral sector. The central African nation is rich in resources like coltan and cobalt, essential components in electronic devices and electric vehicle batteries. Currently, these minerals are predominantly extracted by Chinese mining companies.
The repatriation of the three Americans is part of broader efforts to strengthen judicial diplomacy and international cooperation between the DRC and the U.S. Congolese presidential spokesperson Tina Salama emphasized that the transfer adhered strictly to legal procedures and underscored the commitment to justice and human rights.
The fate of other foreign nationals convicted in connection with the coup, including individuals from Britain, Belgium, and Canada, remains uncertain. Notably, Jean-Jacques Wondo, a dual Congolese and Belgian citizen, was transferred to Belgium in February due to health concerns.
Legal experts suggest that, under the terms of the prisoner transfer agreement, it is unlikely that the U.S. will reduce or commute the sentences of the repatriated individuals. The U.S. has expressed condemnation of the armed attacks and supports the DRC’s efforts to hold those involved accountable, while also advocating for humane treatment and fair legal processes.
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