50 Accused Persons, Including Three Americans, Appear in DRC Military Court Over Failed Coup

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo— Approximately 50 individuals, including three Americans, appeared in a military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday, facing charges related to last month’s failed coup attempt.

The accused are charged with terrorism, attempted assassination, illegal possession of weapons and arms of war, and financing of terrorism in connection with the “attempted coup” on May 19. Six people were killed during the attack, which targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi. The coup was led by Christian Malanga, a little-known opposition figure who previously lived in the United States.

Malanga was reportedly shot dead while resisting arrest shortly after live-streaming the attack. Among those appearing in court were his son, Marcel Malanga, born in the US, and fellow Americans Tyler Thompson and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun. They, along with other defendants, were seated on plastic chairs before the judge in the military court in Kinshasa as the hearing began.

Human Rights Watch has urged the DRC government to ensure a fair and transparent trial for the accused. The US embassy expressed concerns on Monday, stating it had not been granted access to its citizens to provide consular services. All three Americans have requested interpreters to translate proceedings from French to English.

Many of the charges the defendants face carry the death penalty, heightening the stakes of the trial.

The failed coup has intensified scrutiny on security and political stability in the DRC. As the trial progresses, international observers and human rights organizations will be closely monitoring to ensure justice is served in accordance with international legal standards.