Three U.S. Citizens Sentenced to Death in Congo for Role in Failed Coup

In a landmark ruling, three U.S. citizens are among 37 individuals sentenced to death by a military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for their involvement in a failed coup attempt. The trial, which has garnered significant international attention, stems from an armed attack in May 2024, in which insurgents briefly seized a presidential office in the capital, Kinshasa, before security forces intervened.
The plot was reportedly orchestrated by Christian Malanga, a U.S.-based Congolese politician, who was killed during the operation. His son, Marcel Malanga, along with two other Americans-Tyler Thompson and Benjamin Zalman-Polun-stood trial for their alleged roles in the coup.
On May 19, 2024, armed men wearing military uniforms launched a brazen attack on the residence of Vital Kamerhe, the parliamentary speaker, before advancing to the presidential palace. Their attempt to seize power was swiftly thwarted by Congolese security forces, resulting in the deaths of Christian Malanga and five other assailants.
Malanga, a Congolese opposition figure who had relocated to the U.S., had reportedly returned to the DRC to lead the coup. His son Marcel, who traveled to Congo for the first time in years at his father's invitation, was forced into participation under threat of death, according to his testimony. He claimed that his father had coerced him into the operation.
Among the defendants were Marcel Malanga, his childhood friend Tyler Thompson, and businessman Benjamin Zalman-Polun. Malanga and Thompson, both in their 20s and hailing from Utah, shared a personal connection through their high school football days. Zalman-Polun, on the other hand, was a business associate of Christian Malanga.
All three were convicted on charges of criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and related crimes. The court's ruling, broadcast live on Congolese television, sentenced them to death. The DRC allows death row inmates to appeal, but the ruling has already stirred reactions across borders, particularly from the U.S. State Department, which is closely monitoring the case.
The trial has raised concerns in Washington and beyond. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, confirmed that embassy personnel had been present during the proceedings and would continue to observe the situation closely. The legal fate of the American citizens is further complicated by the fact that the DRC has a long-standing moratorium on executions, which was only recently lifted in March 2024.
Though no executions have been carried out under the new policy, the move reflects the government's stance on "traitors" and national security threats. If enforced, this could set a precedent for the revival of capital punishment in the DRC after a two-decade hiatus.
The families of the American defendants have expressed shock and disbelief at the ruling. Marcel Malanga's mother, Brittney Sawyer, has previously spoken out in her son's defense, asserting his innocence. Meanwhile, Tyler Thompson’s family, who described his trip to Congo as a vacation to explore the world, is rallying support for his legal defense through online fundraising efforts.
International human rights organizations have also voiced concerns over the transparency and fairness of the trial. With the hearings broadcast on national television and radio, critics argue that the media attention may have influenced the court’s harsh ruling, especially given the political sensitivities surrounding an attempted coup.
The trial did not only focus on the three Americans. A total of 51 people were tried in connection with the failed coup, including British, Canadian, Belgian, and Congolese nationals. Among the sentenced was Jean-Jacques Wondo, a Belgian-Congolese citizen whose family made public pleas for his release, addressing Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi directly. Fourteen of the defendants were acquitted and freed.
The Congolese government, under President Tshisekedi, has been grappling with growing instability and internal threats. The country’s dysfunctional military and political system have made it vulnerable to coup attempts, with this latest incident heightening tensions. While the government has succeeded in quelling the insurgency, the international fallout, especially regarding the Americans on death row, may provoke diplomatic strain between the DRC and the West.
The case of the three U.S. citizens sentenced to death in Congo is far from over. While the defendants can appeal the ruling, the outcome will be closely watched, not only for its impact on the individuals involved but also for its broader implications on international relations and human rights in the DRC. The situation underscores the fragility of governance in Congo, where political turmoil continues to shape the country’s future.