Overview

• Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun were repatriated to the U.S. after their death sentences in Congo were commuted to life imprisonment.
• The three Americans were convicted of participating in a failed coup led by opposition figure Christian Malanga in May 2024, during which six people were killed.
• Christian Malanga, who declared himself 'President of New Zaire' during the coup, was killed while resisting arrest; his son Marcel claimed he was coerced into participating.
• The repatriation coincides with U.S.-Congo negotiations involving mineral wealth and security cooperation, highlighting broader diplomatic and economic ties.
• The U.S. State Department confirmed the transfer, condemning the coup attempt while advocating for humane treatment and due process for the repatriated Americans.