U.S. Citizens Detained in Failed Coup Attempt in Democratic Republic of Congo

Image Source: The Congolese Republican Guard and police block a road around the scene of an attempted coup in Gombe, Kinshasa on May 19, 2024

Published by Everything ZA News

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo – A dramatic weekend in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) saw a foiled coup attempt leave at least three dead, including the alleged ringleader, American citizen Christian Malanga. This incident adds a concerning new chapter to the DRC’s ongoing political instability.

Malanga, a former Congolese military veteran and leader of the U.S.-based opposition United Congolese Party, reportedly targeted the presidential palace and the residence of prominent politician Vital Kamerhe. General Sylvain Ekenge, a spokesperson for the DRC military, confirmed Malanga’s death during a confrontation with security forces.

Ekenge further revealed a surprising detail – Malanga’s son, Marcel, was also among those arrested. Additionally, three other American citizens – Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, Patrick Ducey, and Taylor Thomson (possibly the same individual using two identities) – were implicated in the plot.

The U.S. response has been measured. Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn expressed shock on social media while pledging full cooperation with Congolese authorities in investigating the “criminal acts” and holding any American citizen involved accountable. The State Department remains tight-lipped, citing privacy concerns.

The attack’s target, President Felix Tshisekedi, who secured a disputed re-election last December, was reportedly absent from the palace during the incident. This event marks the second attempted coup by Malanga, according to Ekenge, who offered no details about the 2017 attempt.

Social media has been abuzz with unverified videos, one allegedly showing a bloodied Malanga surrounded by Congolese soldiers. Malanga, exiled in the U.S. prior to the attack, had appeared in a Facebook livestream alongside his son and armed men, criticizing Tshisekedi and Kamerhe’s leadership.

The DRC, despite boasting vast mineral wealth, remains one of the world’s poorest countries. Armed militia groups plague vast swathes of the nation, vying for control of resources and territory, often resorting to violence against civilians.

This attempted coup adds to a recent trend of instability in Sub-Saharan Africa. Last August, Gabon, the DRC’s neighbor, witnessed a similar attempt. The African Union condemned Malanga’s actions and praised Congolese security forces for regaining control.

As investigations continue, questions linger. The extent of American involvement, Malanga’s motivations, and the potential impact on the DRC’s fragile political landscape remain to be seen. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the resource-rich yet deeply troubled nation.