Three American citizens—Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun—convicted for their involvement in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last year have been repatriated to the United States. Their death sentences were recently commuted to life imprisonment. The transfer, coordinated with the U.S. Embassy, aligns with ongoing discussions between the two countries concerning security cooperation and potential multibillion-dollar investments in Congo’s mineral sector.

The coup attempt occurred in May 2024, led by opposition figure Christian Malanga, who was killed during his arrest. His son, Marcel, claimed he was coerced into participating. Thompson, who traveled from Utah, was reportedly misled about the trip’s purpose, and Zalman-Polun had business ties to Christian Malanga.

The repatriation has brought relief to the families of the three men. Thompson’s stepmother expressed joy over his return, stating, “we’re so excited to have him on American soil again.”

While the transfer signifies improved diplomatic relations, U.S. legal experts note that reducing the men’s sentences is unlikely due to the binding nature of prisoner transfer agreements. Additionally, the fate of other coup convicts, including citizens from Britain, Belgium, and Canada, remains uncertain.