U.S strikes deal with Congolese authorities to repatriate three Americans involved in failed coup in DRC

Three American citizens sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for their role in a failed coup attempt against President Felix Tshisekedi are now in U.S. custody and will serve their sentences in the United States.

The three—Marcel Malanga, 21, Tyler Thompson Jr., 21, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36—were repatriated following negotiations between U.S. and Congolese authorities, according to Africanews.

Marcel Malanga is the son of Congolese-American opposition figure Christian Malanga, who led the attempted coup on May 19, 2024. The elder Malanga livestreamed from the presidential palace in Kinshasa during the operation and was later killed by Congolese security forces while resisting arrest.

Marcel has since claimed he was coerced by his father into taking part in the attack.

Thompson, a friend of Marcel’s from Utah, is reported to have flown to the DRC under the belief he was going on a free vacation. Zalman-Polun, 36, allegedly had business ties to Christian Malanga through a gold mining venture.

“We strongly condemn the armed attacks of May 19th and support DRC authorities in holding those responsible accountable,” said U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. “At the same time, we seek consistent, compassionate, humane treatment and a fair legal process on behalf of those U.S. citizens.”

The repatriation follows reported discussions between Kinshasa and Washington around a minerals-for-security deal, as the DRC battles the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group in North and South Kivu provinces. Congolese armed forces have struggled to repel the rebels’ advance since January, 2025.

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