KINSHASA, April 9 (Prime Africa) — Three American citizens who had been imprisoned in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a failed coup attempt last year were handed over to U.S. authorities on Tuesday, officials confirmed. The transfer occurred after a series of high-level negotiations between the two countries, particularly concerning security arrangements and potential mining partnerships, the Congolese presidency stated.
The U.S. nationals, originally sentenced to death in 2023 after being convicted for their roles in a plot to overthrow the Congolese government, had their sentences commuted last week. They will now serve their sentences back in the United States. The handover followed diplomatic talks between U.S. President Donald Trump’s senior Africa advisor, Massad Boulos, and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.
Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, remarked that the successful transfer of the Americans marked a significant step in the growing cooperation between the two nations. “This shows that the collaboration and cooperation between the two states is growing stronger,” Salama said.
The Americans’ release comes amid a backdrop of deepening negotiations between Washington and Kinshasa, particularly surrounding the issue of Congo’s vast mineral resources, which are critical for the production of mobile phones and electric vehicles. Congo has been actively seeking to forge stronger ties with the United States in hopes of securing better terms for its mineral wealth, which is currently dominated by Chinese mining companies. The U.S. State Department has signaled openness to exploring a minerals-for-security partnership with the Congolese government.
The timing of the American citizens’ release coincided with U.S. diplomatic efforts to support security in the DRC, where escalating violence in the eastern regions has raised fears of a broader regional conflict. The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has made significant territorial gains since January, exacerbating tensions in the country. Washington is particularly interested in securing greater access to Congo’s critical minerals, a move that could enhance the U.S.’s global supply chain of technology and green energy components.
While details on the specifics of U.S. military support to Congo remain unclear, there is speculation that Washington may provide assistance through security personnel or contractors to help train Congolese forces. One former senior U.S. defense official noted that, while this assistance could aid stability, it must respect human rights and be tailored to the specific challenges within the DRC’s volatile context.
The Americans were among 37 individuals sentenced to death in September 2023 by a military court in connection with the failed coup, which had been orchestrated by Christian Malanga, a U.S.-based Congolese politician. Malanga’s 22-year-old son, Marcel, was among those detained. Marcel Malanga, who was in Congo visiting a friend, testified that his father had threatened their lives if they did not comply with his plans.
In addition to the detainees’ release, Joseph Szlavik-Soto, a lobbyist representing the Congolese government, confirmed that Congo had agreed to compensate for the damage caused by protests that targeted U.S. embassies and other diplomatic missions earlier this year. However, the State Department declined to comment on the matter.
The U.S. government has repeatedly emphasized that securing the release of American citizens is a top priority. The White House has yet to provide any official comments regarding the broader diplomatic and security discussions between the two nations.
As the situation in Congo remains tense, Washington’s evolving stance on security and mineral access is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future political and economic landscape.
About The Author
