Three Americans who were convicted of involvement in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been repatriated to the United States after their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. The repatriation occurred after negotiations between the Congolese government and the U.S. Embassy, and the three individuals left Congo on the morning of April 8, 2025. The U.S. State Department confirmed the transfer but referred further questions to the Department of Justice.
The individuals repatriated were Marcel Malanga, 21, the son of opposition figure Christian Malanga; Tyler Thompson Jr., 21; and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36. The coup attempt, which targeted the presidential palace in Kinshasa, was foiled last year. Christian Malanga, the ringleader, was killed while resisting arrest, and his son, Marcel, has claimed that his father coerced him into participating in the attempt.
Thompson, a friend of Marcel Malanga, traveled to Congo for what his family believed was a vacation, while Zalman-Polun is reported to have connections with Christian Malanga through a gold mining company. The three Americans were part of a larger group convicted after the coup attempt, which included many Congolese citizens as well as a few other foreign nationals, such as a Briton, a Belgian, and a Canadian. Charges against the group ranged from terrorism and murder to criminal association and illegal possession of weapons.
The repatriation of the three Americans comes amid broader discussions between the Congolese government and the U.S. on a potential minerals deal. The deal could involve significant investments in Congo’s untapped mineral wealth, in exchange for U.S. security support to help the capital city, Kinshasa, combat the insurgent groups operating in the country’s eastern regions. These talks are seen as part of an effort to strengthen bilateral ties and promote economic and security cooperation.
The families of the three Americans expressed their relief and joy at the repatriation. Miranda Thompson, the stepmother of Tyler Thompson Jr., shared her excitement about his return, stating that the family was thrilled to have him back on American soil. They thanked the U.S. government, family, and friends for their support throughout the ordeal.
Despite the positive reception from their families, questions remain about the future of the individuals involved in the failed coup. As the U.S. typically honors agreements regarding prisoner transfers, it is expected that the convicted Americans will serve out their sentences in the U.S. However, their lawyers may attempt to reduce the sentences, arguing that the prisoners consented to the transfer under duress. Legal experts believe that such attempts would be difficult to pursue, given the potential ramifications for future international prisoner transfer agreements.
In addition to the three Americans, many others were convicted following the coup attempt, including several Congolese citizens. The exact fates of the remaining individuals are unclear. Last year, Congo reinstated the death penalty after a long hiatus, as part of efforts to curb growing violence and militant attacks in the country.
Reports from the time of the coup attempt indicated that the convicted individuals, including the Americans, were subjected to harsh conditions in a high-security prison in Kinshasa, where they endured poor health and were forced to pay for food and hygiene products.
