Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – A court in the Democratic Republic of the Congo sentenced 37 individuals, including a British national and three Americans, to death for their roles in a foiled attempt to topple President Félix Tshisekedi. The disturbance, which occurred on May 19, led to the deaths of six people and involved an assault on key governmental locations.
The attackers, instigated by opposition figure Christian Malanga, targeted the residence of parliamentary speaker Vital Kamerhe and a presidential office in Kinshasa. The assault concluded with the demise of Malanga, who was killed by security forces while allegedly resisting arrest after broadcasting parts of the attack on social media platforms.
The sentencing included citizens from diverse nationalities: a Belgian, a Canadian, and numerous Congolese participants. They faced charges comprising terrorism, murder, and criminal association. Defendants, however, retain the right to appeal the verdict. The trial, initiated in July, resulted in 14 acquittals.
Among those convicted are Malanga’s son, Marcel Malanga, 21, and his high school friends Tyler Thompson Jr, 21, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, 36, all from the United States. Marcel disclosed to the court threats from his estranged father leading him to partake unwillingly in his first visit to the country. Thompson, who purportedly thought the trip was a leisurely vacation sponsored by the elder Malanga, and Zalman-Polun, a business associate of Christian Malanga, were also implicated.
The British individual’s identity has not been disclosed, although reports suggest he holds dual Congolese nationality. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is providing consular assistance and has expressed concerns about the reintroduction of the death penalty in DRC.
The verdict was publicly declared at the Ndolo military prison outskirts of Kinshasa, and was met with intense local and international reactions, particularly concerning the reinstatement of capital punishment. The DRC had lifted a 21-year moratorium on the death penalty earlier this March, citing the ineffectiveness of previous penalties in deterring severe offenses including treason and espionage.
Global reactions have been mixed, with some international bodies and human rights organizations condemning the reinstatement of the death penalty as a step back for justice reform in the DRC. These organizations continue to advocate for more humane and effective judicial practices that do not involve capital punishment.
The case highlights ongoing struggles within the DRC to balance stringent security measures with human rights, amid a climate of political instability and violence. It also underscores the complex international dimensions of such conflicts, affecting foreign nationals and diplomatic relations. As the convicted await their appeals, the international community watches closely, calling for legal proceedings that respect international human rights standards.