The decision to alter their sentences comes amid diplomatic engagements between the US and DR Congo, as well as ongoing discussions around the implications of the coup attempt.
**Death Sentences for Three Americans in DRC Coup Attempt Converted to Life Imprisonment**
**Death Sentences for Three Americans in DRC Coup Attempt Converted to Life Imprisonment**
Three Americans sentenced in a failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo have had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
The death sentences of three American nationals, previously convicted for their involvement in a coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last year, have officially been changed to life imprisonment. This decision was announced by the DRC presidency and follows a military court ruling last September that sentenced a total of 37 individuals to death.
The trio—Marcel Malanga Malu, Tyler Thompson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin—were implicated in an assault that targeted both the presidential palace and the residence of a presidential ally in May 2022. Their sentences were reduced just before U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, embarks on a diplomatic visit to DRC and neighboring countries.
While the U.S. State Department has not classified these Americans as wrongfully jailed, there have been ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and DRC regarding their situation. They were found guilty of various charges, including terrorism and criminal conspiracy, but they maintained their innocence.
The orchestrator of the coup attempt, Christian Malanga, a U.S. citizen of Congolese descent, was killed during the attack alongside five others. In total, 51 individuals faced charges in military court proceedings, which were notably aired nationwide. Fourteen were exonerated and released as they were not linked to the coup attempt.
Despite DRC's announcement earlier this year regarding the lifting of a moratorium on death sentences for military offenses, executions have not been carried out in over twenty years. President Tshisekedi's decision to sign the commutation orders reflects the unique circumstances surrounding the case. His spokesperson, Tina Salama, confirmed that this clemency was granted individually to the American nationals.
The fate of other convicts, including a Briton, a Belgian, and a Canadian, remains uncertain, especially in light of Jean-Jacques Wondo’s transfer to Belgium for health reasons after receiving a death sentence. The attack unfolded in Kinshasa, starting in the early hours of May 19, when armed assailants targeted government officials before attempting to breach the president’s residence, resulting in a chaotic exchange of gunfire.
This recent development highlights the complexities of international relations and justice in the DRC, especially with ongoing discussions around security and military reforms.
The trio—Marcel Malanga Malu, Tyler Thompson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin—were implicated in an assault that targeted both the presidential palace and the residence of a presidential ally in May 2022. Their sentences were reduced just before U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, embarks on a diplomatic visit to DRC and neighboring countries.
While the U.S. State Department has not classified these Americans as wrongfully jailed, there have been ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and DRC regarding their situation. They were found guilty of various charges, including terrorism and criminal conspiracy, but they maintained their innocence.
The orchestrator of the coup attempt, Christian Malanga, a U.S. citizen of Congolese descent, was killed during the attack alongside five others. In total, 51 individuals faced charges in military court proceedings, which were notably aired nationwide. Fourteen were exonerated and released as they were not linked to the coup attempt.
Despite DRC's announcement earlier this year regarding the lifting of a moratorium on death sentences for military offenses, executions have not been carried out in over twenty years. President Tshisekedi's decision to sign the commutation orders reflects the unique circumstances surrounding the case. His spokesperson, Tina Salama, confirmed that this clemency was granted individually to the American nationals.
The fate of other convicts, including a Briton, a Belgian, and a Canadian, remains uncertain, especially in light of Jean-Jacques Wondo’s transfer to Belgium for health reasons after receiving a death sentence. The attack unfolded in Kinshasa, starting in the early hours of May 19, when armed assailants targeted government officials before attempting to breach the president’s residence, resulting in a chaotic exchange of gunfire.
This recent development highlights the complexities of international relations and justice in the DRC, especially with ongoing discussions around security and military reforms.
