Congo seeks death penalty for Americans in coup plot

On May 19, 2024, a failed coup attempt occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), led by Christian Malanga, a naturalized American citizen. The coup plotters targeted the homes of President Felix Tshisekedi and Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe in Kinshasa. Malanga, who had a history of legal troubles in the U.S., aimed to overthrow the DRC government, which he labeled a dictatorship. Tragically, he was killed during the attempt, along with five others. Among the 50 individuals charged in connection with the coup are three Americans: Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun. Marcel, the son of Christian Malanga, was reportedly involved alongside his father, while Thompson and Zalman-Polun claimed they were misled into participating. Thompson's family expressed shock at his involvement, believing he was promised a vacation rather than a role in a coup. The DRC's military prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for all defendants, citing the severity of the crime. This is significant as the death penalty was reinstated in March 2024 after being outlawed, in response to increasing violence from militant groups. Prosecutors initially sought leniency for Zalman-Polun due to his cooperation, but the military prosecutor urged for the harshest penalties for all involved. The case highlights the complexities of international involvement in domestic conflicts and raises questions about the motivations and deceptions that can lead individuals to participate in such dangerous endeavors. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for U.S.-DRC relations and the legal treatment of foreign nationals in similar situations.