Congo president commutes death sentences for 3 American citizens convicted in failed coup

Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, Marcel Malanga and Tyler Thompson attend court in Kinshasa in September 2024

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|Published 9:25 PM ET, Saturday April 05, 2025|

Kinshasa: President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) commuted the death sentences of three American citizens—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun—to life imprisonment. This decision follows their convictions for participating in a failed coup attempt in Kinshasa in May 2024. ​

The coup, orchestrated by opposition figure Christian Malanga, targeted the presidential palace and the residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe. Christian Malanga was killed during the attempt, while his son, Marcel, along with Thompson and Zalman-Polun, were apprehended. In September 2024, a military court sentenced them and over 30 others to death on charges including attempted coup, terrorism, and criminal association. ​

The commutation of their sentences comes amid efforts by Congolese authorities to negotiate a minerals deal with the United States, aiming to secure security assistance for combating rebels in the DRC’s eastern regions. Coinciding with this development, the U.S. Department of State announced that Massad Boulos, the new senior advisor for Africa, will visit the DRC and neighboring countries to promote sustainable peace and U.S. private sector investment in the region. ​

This case underscores the complex interplay between international diplomacy and domestic legal proceedings, highlighting the DRC’s strategic considerations in balancing internal justice with external relations.