Three American citizens, Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, who were convicted for their roles in a failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in May 2024, have been repatriated to the United States. Initially sentenced to death by a military tribunal in September 2024, their sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment. This transfer highlights strengthened judicial diplomacy between the United States and DR Congo, amid ongoing talks regarding mineral wealth exploitation involving potential multibillion-dollar investments.

The coup plot involved an attack on the presidential palace in Kinshasa, led by Christian Malanga, a Congolese opposition figure and father of Marcel Malanga. Christian Malanga was reportedly killed while resisting arrest, while his son, Marcel, claimed he was coerced into participating. Tyler Thompson Jr., a friend of Marcel from Utah, purportedly believed he was on an all-expenses-paid vacation and was unaware of the coup plans. Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun reportedly had business ties with Christian Malanga through a gold mining venture.

Congolese presidential spokesperson Tina Salama confirmed the repatriation, stating that the three men were escorted to N'Djili International Airport in Kinshasa, adhering to legal procedures. The DR Congo presidency emphasized that this action underscores enhanced judicial diplomacy and international cooperation on justice and human rights. The transfer was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. embassy in Kinshasa, reflecting ongoing ties between the two nations as they explore agreements related to mineral exploitation in DR Congo.

The repatriation coincides with discussions between the U.S. and DR Congo regarding mineral exploitation, particularly concerning the extensive deposits of coltan and cobalt, vital for electronic equipment and electric vehicle batteries. These resources, currently dominated by Chinese mining companies, are now central to negotiations with the U.S. According to Tammy Bruce, State Department Spokesperson, the U.S. seeks “consistent, compassionate, humane treatment and a fair legal process on behalf of those U.S. citizens.”

It remains uncertain whether other convicts, including nationals from Britain, Belgium, and Canada, will have their sentences commuted or be transferred. Jean-Jacques Wondo, a dual Congolese and Belgian citizen, had his death sentence commuted earlier this year and was transferred to Belgium due to ill health.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, located in Central Africa, is rich in natural resources but faces significant challenges such as political instability, poverty, and conflicts over resource control. It gained independence from Belgium in 1960 and continues to strive for development amidst its complex history.