Three American citizens sentenced to death for their involvement in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo have had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, as confirmed by a spokeswoman for the country’s president.
The trio was part of a group of 37 individuals condemned to death last September following a May 2024 attack on the government, which included a live-streamed gun battle adjacent to the presidential palace.
The coup leader, Christian Malanga, was killed by security forces, while his son, Marcel Malanga, along with his high school friend Tyler Thompson and business associate Benjamin Zalman-Polun, were arrested. The three American citizens were granted "individual clemency," according to Tina Salama, the Congolese president’s spokeswoman.
There was no immediate response from the U.S. State Department regarding the matter. The Congolese government is seeking U.S. support against neighboring Rwanda and the M23 rebel militia, which has been conducting violent offensives in eastern Congo since January, resulting in numerous casualties and displacing millions.
In a February interview, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi suggested that a partnership with the U.S. regarding the country's mineral resources could enhance security and stability. Experts have noted that U.S. pressure on Rwanda may be essential in persuading the M23 rebels to retreat, leading to a more secure environment.
Shortly after the announcement of clemency, the U.S. State Department appointed Massad Boulos as a senior adviser for Africa, planning a visit to Congo and neighboring countries, including Rwanda, to promote peace initiatives and U.S. private-sector investment in the region.
Some observers in Congo have speculated that the clemency for the Americans is in line with potential negotiations for mineral deals, while others criticized the government for allegedly favoring foreign nationals over local citizens. A Kinshasa-based lawyer highlighted this perception on social media, suggesting it exemplifies the unequal treatment faced by Congolese compared to foreigners.