Three Americans convicted for their involvement in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last year have been repatriated to the United States to serve the remainder of their prison sentences. The three, who were initially sentenced to death by a military court, saw their sentences commuted to life in prison just last week. The repatriation marks a significant moment in the diplomatic relations between the US and the DRC, amid growing talks between the two nations over the exploitation of the DRC’s rich mineral resources.
The individuals, Marcel Malanga Malu, Tylor Thomson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin, were part of a group of 37 people convicted of participating in a failed coup attempt that targeted the DRC’s government. They were flown out of the DRC on Tuesday, with the Congolese government confirming that the transfer was conducted in strict adherence to legal protocols. The move highlights the strengthening of judicial cooperation between the US and the DRC, an effort that has been framed as part of an ongoing diplomatic engagement focused on justice and human rights.
Tina Salama, the spokesperson for the DRC presidency, announced that the Americans would now serve their sentences in their home country, with the US Department of State confirming the development. Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the US State Department, affirmed that the individuals were now “in our custody.” This shift in the convicted Americans’ status follows a long series of legal proceedings in the DRC, culminating in the commutation of their sentences last week.
The failed coup occurred in May 2024, when a group of rebels, including the three Americans, attempted to attack the presidential palace and the residence of a close ally of President Félix Tshisekedi. The attack was part of a broader plot to overthrow the government, but it ended in failure. During the assault, the plot’s suspected leader, Christian Malanga, a US citizen of Congolese descent, was killed, along with five others. The Americans, along with several other foreign nationals, were arrested and convicted on multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and other related crimes. They denied all charges, insisting that they were not involved in the attacks, but the court found them guilty.
In September 2024, a military court in the DRC sentenced 37 individuals to death for their role in the attempted coup. However, the DRC government, in a move that came after intense diplomatic negotiations, commuted the sentences of several convicts, including the three Americans, to life imprisonment. The repatriation to the US represents a significant moment in the bilateral relations between the two countries, with the transfer believed to be in line with international legal agreements between the DRC and the US.
The US State Department has expressed its condemnation of the armed attacks in the DRC and reaffirmed its support for the country’s right to hold the perpetrators accountable. At the same time, the US government has called for “consistent, compassionate, humane treatment and a fair legal process” for the convicts. This reflects the US’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served while maintaining a standard of human rights throughout the process.
The repatriation of the three Americans is part of a broader effort to manage diplomatic relations and promote cooperation in legal matters between the US and the DRC. Both countries have been exploring the possibility of a deal to tap into the DRC’s vast mineral wealth, which includes crucial resources such as coltan and cobalt. These minerals are essential for the production of electronic devices and electric car batteries, and their extraction has been largely dominated by Chinese mining companies.
US President Donald Trump’s senior adviser for Africa visited the DRC last week and confirmed that the two nations were engaged in talks about the potential for “multibillion-dollar investments” in the mining sector. The timing of the repatriation suggests that both countries are working to strengthen ties as they explore opportunities for collaboration on economic and resource development, especially given the DRC’s mineral potential.
While the three Americans were sent home to serve out the remainder of their sentences, other convicts, including a Belgian, Canadian, and Briton, remain in the DRC. One of the foreign convicts, Jean-Jacques Wondo, a dual Congolese and Belgian citizen, was transferred to Belgium in February due to ill health. However, it is unclear whether other foreign nationals will have their sentences commuted or if they will be repatriated as well.
As the US and the DRC continue to develop their diplomatic relationship, many are watching closely to see how this case may impact future relations. Legal experts have suggested that the US government is unlikely to release the Americans or shorten their sentences, given the seriousness of their convictions. Nonetheless, the repatriation reflects a willingness on both sides to work together within the framework of international law and diplomatic engagement.
The case has garnered significant attention, not just due to the high-profile nature of the Americans involved but also because of the broader implications for US-DRC relations. The ongoing talks about mining investments and other cooperative ventures are critical for both countries, as the DRC seeks to harness its vast mineral wealth, and the US looks to establish stronger economic ties with Central Africa.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the DRC will continue to make further changes to the sentences of other foreign nationals involved in the failed coup. For now, the focus remains on the return of the three Americans, who will now serve their time in the United States, far from the turbulent political landscape of the DRC.
