Just days ahead of a planned visit from U.S. officials, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reduced the death sentences of three American citizens convicted in connection with a failed coup to life imprisonment.
The three Americans—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun—were among 37 individuals sentenced to death by a military tribunal in September for their roles in the May 2024 coup attempt, which was spearheaded by Christian Malanga, Marcel’s father.
The attempted overthrow targeted both the presidential palace and the home of prominent Congolese political figure Vital Kamerhe. During the ensuing clash with presidential guards, six individuals, including Christian Malanga—who had broadcast the event live—were killed.
Government spokesperson Tina Salama emphasized that the clemency was not linked to ongoing talks with the United States, despite the DRC’s interest in forming a minerals-for-security alliance with Washington. Salama stated, “There is currently no agreement with the Americans involving any form of intervention.”
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of the DRC’s decision to commute the sentences but declined to comment further, citing privacy concerns.
The timing of the announcement comes just ahead of a diplomatic visit by U.S. Senior Adviser for Africa Massad Boulos and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Corina Sanders. According to the State Department, their mission includes supporting peace initiatives in the conflict-ridden eastern provinces of the DRC and encouraging U.S. private sector investment. The delegation will also travel to neighboring Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
