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The Democratic Republic of Congo has repatriated three American citizens who were sentenced to death for their involvement in a botched coup attempt last year, marking a significant diplomatic development between the two nations.
Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun were transferred to U.S. custody this week after their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, according to a statement from the Congolese presidency. The men were among 37 individuals convicted by a military tribunal in September for participating in the May 2023 coup attempt led by Christian Malanga, Marcel’s father and an exiled opposition figure.
The violent incident saw at least six people killed, including the elder Malanga, during a gun battle with presidential guards as the plotters attempted to storm government buildings in Kinshasa.
Presidential spokesperson Tina Salama confirmed the Americans departed Congo on Tuesday and would serve their sentences in the United States. The decision followed high-level talks between Congolese officials and U.S. diplomats, including Senior Adviser for Africa Massad Boulos and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Corina Sanders.
“The repatriation reflects our commitment to judicial diplomacy and strengthening international cooperation on justice and human rights,” the Congolese presidency stated.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
