Congo Commutes Death Penalty for Three Americans in Coup Attempt

Three Americans, Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment following their involvement in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The commutation, signed by President Felix Tshisekedi, coincided with preparations for a visit by the new U.S. senior advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos. The trio, originally sentenced in September 2022 for criminal conspiracy and terrorism, faced harsh conditions in a high-security prison, struggling with health issues and limited access to basic needs. Malanga, whose father led the coup attempt and was killed during the attack, claimed he was coerced into participating. The U.S. State Department has engaged in talks about the Americans' situation, although they have not been officially declared wrongfully imprisoned. The commutation signals potential diplomatic shifts between the U.S. and Congo regarding security and investment interests in the region.