The three Americans involved in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last year have been repatriated to the United States to serve the remainder of their sentences. Initially sentenced to death by a military court, their sentences were recently commuted to life in prison. U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed their return, stating they are now "in our custody."
The repatriation occurs amid economic negotiations between the U.S. and the DRC aimed at harnessing the country's vast mineral resources, including coltan and cobalt, crucial for modern technology. Recently, U.S. senior advisor for Africa met with DRC officials to discuss potential investments worth billions of dollars.
The American convicts—Marcel Malanga Malu, Tylor Thomson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin—left the DRC on Tuesday, escorted in compliance with legal protocols. Congolese presidential spokesperson Tina Salama noted that the prisoner transfer reflects a commitment to enhancing judicial diplomacy and cooperation between the DRC and the U.S.
The trio was part of a larger group of 37 individuals sentenced to death, including foreign nationals. Their involvement in attacks on government sites last May led to their convictions for charges such as criminal conspiracy and terrorism, which they have denied. The alleged plot leader, Christian Malanga, was killed during the incident.
While the details of the transfer agreement remain unclear, legal analysis suggests that the U.S. is unlikely to reduce their sentences further. The State Department condemned the attempted attacks but emphasized the need for fair treatment and due process for the convicts. Additionally, the DRC government has agreed to reimburse damages from protests targeting U.S. facilities earlier this year.
The repatriation occurs amid economic negotiations between the U.S. and the DRC aimed at harnessing the country's vast mineral resources, including coltan and cobalt, crucial for modern technology. Recently, U.S. senior advisor for Africa met with DRC officials to discuss potential investments worth billions of dollars.
The American convicts—Marcel Malanga Malu, Tylor Thomson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin—left the DRC on Tuesday, escorted in compliance with legal protocols. Congolese presidential spokesperson Tina Salama noted that the prisoner transfer reflects a commitment to enhancing judicial diplomacy and cooperation between the DRC and the U.S.
The trio was part of a larger group of 37 individuals sentenced to death, including foreign nationals. Their involvement in attacks on government sites last May led to their convictions for charges such as criminal conspiracy and terrorism, which they have denied. The alleged plot leader, Christian Malanga, was killed during the incident.
While the details of the transfer agreement remain unclear, legal analysis suggests that the U.S. is unlikely to reduce their sentences further. The State Department condemned the attempted attacks but emphasized the need for fair treatment and due process for the convicts. Additionally, the DRC government has agreed to reimburse damages from protests targeting U.S. facilities earlier this year.
