Three Americans convicted of taking part in a failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been returned to the United States, according to the DRC presidency. The individuals, ages 23 to 36, had earlier been sentenced to death, which was then commuted to life imprisonment. The presidency stated that the repatriation is part of a renewed effort to enhance judicial diplomacy and international cooperation in justice and human rights between Kinshasa and Washington. Among those repatriated are Marcel Malanga, the son of a DR Congo opposition figure who led the failed coup and was killed by security forces, Tyler Thompson Jr., a friend of Malanga, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun. The three were among 37 people initially sentenced to death by a military court over the failed coup attempt. The State Department acknowledged the transfer of the men to U.S. custody, with legal experts suggesting their sentences are unlikely to be reduced further. During the alleged coup attempt, armed men attacked the home of then-economy minister Vital Kamerhe, then proceeding to the offices of President Felix Tshisekedi, where they filmed themselves declaring the end of the regime. The repatriation comes after high-level discussions between the countries regarding security and mineral deals, with the U.S. interested in partnerships for critical minerals, which are essential for technology like mobile phones and electric cars. The conflict in the eastern DRC, involving Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and the Congolese army, has intensified, and the DRC is seeking greater U.S. involvement in its security, while the U.S. aims to secure access to the country’s mineral resources.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/americans-convicted-in-dr-congo-coup-attempt-repatriated/a-72179703?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf