DRC President Commutes Death Sentences Of Three Americans Ahead Of US Visit

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The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has commuted the death sentences of three Americans convicted of attempting a coup, reducing their sentences to life imprisonment. This decision comes just days before US officials are set to visit the central African nation.

Americans Among Those Sentenced for Failed Coup

Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun were among 37 individuals sentenced to death by a military court in September for their roles in a failed coup attempt in May 2024. The coup, led by Malanga’s father, Christian Malanga, targeted the presidential palace and the residence of Congolese politician Vital Kamerhe in an effort to overthrow the government.

At least six people, including Christian Malanga, were killed during the attempted coup, which was livestreamed by Malanga before he was fatally shot by presidential guards.

Clemency Decision Announced on National Television

President Felix Tshisekedi’s clemency decision was announced on national television late Tuesday. His spokesperson, Tina Salama, confirmed that the petition for clemency was submitted by the public prosecutor and approved on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice.

Salama denied that the decision was influenced by diplomatic negotiations with the US, stating, “We have no deal with the Americans at this stage on any American intervention.” The DRC remains focused on its ongoing conflict in the resource-rich eastern region, where government forces are battling a Rwanda-backed rebel group.

US Response and Upcoming Diplomatic Visit

A US State Department spokesperson acknowledged the DRC’s decision but declined to comment further, citing privacy considerations.

This development coincides with an upcoming visit from US officials, including Senior Adviser for Africa Massad Boulos and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Corina Sanders. Their trip, scheduled for Thursday, aims to promote peace efforts in eastern DRC and encourage US private sector investment in the region. The delegation will also visit Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya as part of their diplomatic tour.

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