On September 13, 2024, it was revealed that thirty-seven individuals, including three American citizens, will be sentenced to death for a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The attempt took place on May 19th, when a group of armed individuals led by Congolese political exile and longtime US resident Christian Malanga attempted to depose the government of President Felix Tshisekedi.
On the night of May 19th, this group of individuals performed a coordinated operation and invaded the presidential complex in Kinshasa while unfurling flags and chanting anti-government slogans. They also attacked the home of senior politician Vital Kamerhe, who is currently serving as the Deputy Prime Minister of Economy and leader of the Union for the Congolese Nation party.
Congolese forces quickly regained control of the situation. At least six people lost their lives during the skirmish, including Christian Malanga. The remaining conspirators were apprehended by security forces, including Malanga’s son, 22-year-old Marcel Malanga. Marcel’s close friend, 21-year-old Tyler Thompson, was also among the apprehended individuals. According to reports, Tyler’s family had believed he was simply on vacation.
The third American that was involved is 36-year-old Maryland native Benjamin Zalman-
Polun. The legal process behind the decision for the death penalty has been lengthy and questionable, as the US citizens have testified that all statements have been extracted under duress. The defendants have testified that Christian Malanga forced them to take part in the coup. The court dismissed this defense. Among those sentenced to death are also one Canadian, one Ezangi, and one British national.
Sources:
Livingstone, E. (2024, September 13). 3 Americans sentenced to death in failed coup attempt trial in DRC. https://www.npr.org/2024/09/13/nx-s1-5111628/3-americans-sentenced-to-death-in-failed-coup-attempt-trial-in-drc
Press, A. (2024, September 13). Three Americans and 34 others sentenced to death in Congo over coup attempt | CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/13/africa/congo-court-sentences-3-americans-and-34-others-to-death-on-coup-charges/index.html
(2024, September 13). How 3 young Americans ended up in the middle of a coup attempt in Congo and facing the death penalty. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/congo-coup-attempt-trial-verdict-death-sentence-35a312049148fa14e9c2504cc939e40a
Reuters.Com. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/us-citizens-trial-role-congo-coup-attempt-sentenced-death-2024-09-13/
News, B. (2024, September 13). DR Congo coup attempt: Thirty-seven sentenced to death. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2e2v2le8wo
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