In a significant legal development, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, has commuted the death sentences of three American citizens—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr. and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun—to life imprisonment. This decision, announced on April 1, 2025, comes after the trio's conviction for their involvement in a failed coup attempt in May 2024.
Background of the Coup Attempt
On May 19, 2024, an armed group led by Christian Malanga, a Congolese opposition figure and U.S. citizen, launched coordinated attacks targeting the presidential palace and the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a close ally of President Tshisekedi. The assault resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including Malanga himself, who was fatally shot while resisting arrest.
Arrest and Trial of the American Citizens
Following the failed coup, Congolese authorities arrested several individuals, including Malanga's 21-year-old son, Marcel Malanga, and his friend, Tyler Thompson Jr., both U.S. citizens. Another American, 36-year-old Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, was also apprehended due to his alleged association with the elder Malanga through business ventures.
The military tribunal charged the defendants with attempted coup, terrorism, and criminal association. Despite their testimonies claiming coercion and lack of prior knowledge about the coup plot, the court sentenced 37 individuals, including the three Americans, to death on September 13, 2024. The defendants were also ordered to pay over 145 billion Congolese francs (approximately $50 million) in damages to the state.
International Reactions and Appeals
The death sentences sparked international concern, particularly from human rights organizations and the families of the convicted Americans. Advocates highlighted issues such as alleged torture during detention and the defendants' claims of being misled about their involvement. The families urged the U.S. government to intervene, emphasizing the young men's innocence and the harshness of the sentences.
Commutation of Sentences
In response to domestic and international appeals, President Tshisekedi exercised his executive power to commute the death sentences of Malanga, Thompson, and Zalman-Polun to life imprisonment on April 1, 2025. This move aligns with the DRC's recent efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with the United States, including negotiations over a minerals agreement aimed at enhancing security assistance in combating rebel forces in the eastern regions of the country.
Implications and Ongoing Developments
The commutation reflects the DRC's complex stance on capital punishment. Although the country lifted a moratorium on the death penalty in March 2024 to address rising crime and terrorism, no executions have been carried out since. The international community continues to monitor the situation, advocating for fair treatment and due process for all individuals involved.
As of April 2025, the legal representatives of the American citizens are exploring further avenues for appeal, aiming to secure their eventual release. The U.S. State Department has maintained its commitment to closely following the developments and providing consular support to the detained Americans.