Three American citizens sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for their involvement in a failed coup attempt have been repatriated to the United States, where they will now serve their sentences. The transfer follows high-level diplomatic negotiations and coincides with U.S.-Congo talks over a potential mineral security partnership. The coup attempt, launched on May 19, 2024, targeted President Félix Tshisekedi’s presidential palace in Kinshasa. It was led by Christian Malanga, a Congolese opposition figure based in the U.S., who was killed while resisting arrest during the operation. His 21-year-old son, Marcel Malanga, was among those arrested. He later told investigators that he had been coerced by his father into participating.
The other two Americans involved were Tyler Thompson Jr., also 21, who traveled from Utah under the belief that he was on a free vacation, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, who allegedly had business ties with Christian Malanga through a gold mining venture. All three were convicted in September 2024 by a military tribunal and sentenced to death. The U.S. State Department confirmed the repatriation and reiterated its stance against the use of violence. “We strongly condemn the armed attacks of May 19 and support the DRC authorities in holding those responsible accountable,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. “At the same time, we advocate for humane treatment and a fair legal process for all U.S. citizens involved.”
Their return comes amid reports of a broader diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and Congolese governments. Sources familiar with the matter say Congo is seeking increased security cooperation from Washington in exchange for access to its critical mineral resources, including cobalt and lithium—vital for the global energy transition.
The DRC is currently facing a worsening security crisis in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu, where the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive, displacing tens of thousands and threatening regional stability. The repatriation of the Americans may be part of a larger effort to deepen bilateral ties as Kinshasa seeks international support.
