Three United States (US) citizens who were jailed over a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo are now in the custody of US officials.
Reuters reported on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, that the agreement to send back the Americans was finalized after Massad Boulos, Senior Africa Advisor to US President Donald Trump, traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Masaad Boulos met with President Felix Tshisekedi in the capital, Kinshasa, to discuss the arrangement.
The three American Citizens are now expected to face the law back home over their involvement with the failed coup.
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Before the trip, Trump’s special envoy for hostage response urged President Tshisekedi to release the Americans.
Attempted Coup by the US Citizens
The three Americans were part of a group of 37 people sentenced to death by a military court in Congo in September for their alleged involvement in a coup attempt.
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The coup, which took place in May, was led by Christian Malanga, a Congolese politician based in the U.S. His 22-year-old son, Marcel Malanga, was among the Americans arrested.
Marcel, who was in Congo visiting a high school friend, testified at the trial that his father had threatened to kill them if they didn’t follow his orders. Marcel’s mother, in response, posted a statement on Facebook saying that the family needed time and didn’t want to comment further at that moment.
Also Read: DCI Arrests Congolese Suspect in Ksh 13M Scam Sneaking Back into Kenya
Congo Deal with Trump’s Government
The release of the three comes after DRC made a deal with the Trump government.
In the deal, DRC requested that the US help the President in restoring security in the central African country, while the US will gain access to its rich mineral resources in return.
The minerals represent DRC’s most valuable resources, utilized in mobile phones and electric cars. Currently, they are being exploited by China and its mining companies.
The proposal from Congo included several key points that would likely force the stationing of American forces in the country.
This is needed to help deal with the growing M23 rebellion, which recently took control of two provincial capitals in eastern Congo and is aiming to overthrow the government.
Also Read: East African Leaders Urge Immediate Ceasefire in East DR Congo
US Plans to Help DRC
The US administration has not revealed how it plans to provide security.
However, a former senior defense official revealed to Reuters that suggested options might include sending troops or contractors to train Congolese forces.
“I hope it could work in a fashion that respects human rights and contributes to long-term stability in this important region. This will be very challenging in the DRC context,” the official said.
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