U.S. Transfers Congo Coup Convicts Amid Mineral Negotiations

Editorial : Reda El Gazal

Three Americans involved in a failed 2023 coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been repatriated to serve life sentences in the U.S. Marcel Malanga Malu, Tylor Thomson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin were initially sentenced to death by a Congolese military court, but their punishment was reduced last week. The transfer coincides with ongoing U.S.-DRC negotiations over access to the country’s vast cobalt and coltan reserves, critical for electronics and electric vehicles.

The trio was part of a 37-person group convicted of plotting attacks on Congo’s presidential palace and a top official’s residence. Christian Malanga, a U.S.-Congolese leader of the coup, was killed during the raid. Other foreign convicts, including a Briton and Canadian, remain jailed, with unclear prospects for sentence reductions. Last week, a U.S. presidential advisor confirmed “multibillion-dollar” mineral talks with Congo, which currently relies heavily on Chinese mining firms.

The U.S. State Department stated it “condemned the attacks” but advocated for humane treatment and due process for the convicts. Legal experts suggest the Americans are unlikely to receive early release. Meanwhile, Congo reportedly agreed to compensate for damages after protesters attacked the U.S. embassy earlier this year, though U.S. officials have not confirmed this.