The United States Department of Justice has indicted four American citizens for their role in a failed Coup d’État in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to emerging details, three of the conspirators include; Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun.
They were transferred from the DRC to the United States, where they will serve their life sentences after receiving a presidential pardon.
According to the indictment, the defendants are charged with conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization, conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to bomb government buildings, and conspiracy to kill or kidnap people in a foreign country.
They are accused of planning and participating in the armed attack on May 19, 2024, in Kinshasa, aimed at overthrowing President Félix Tshisekedi and installing an alternative government called “New Zaire” led by the now-deceased Christian Malanga.
The operation, which targeted the Palais de la Nation and Vital Kamerhe’s residence, left at least six dead, including two police officers and a civilian.
Marcel Malanga, son of Christian Malanga, was sentenced to death on January 27, 2025, by the Kinshasa/Gombe Military Court. His sentence became final on March 9th.
In an order signed on April 2nd and made public the following day, President Tshisekedi commuted this sentence to life imprisonment as part of an individual pardon.
The same measure was applied to Benjamin Zalman-Polun and Tyler Thompson.
Their transfer was carried out in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa.
Joseph Peter Moesser, the fourth defendant, was arrested in Utah. He is described as the group’s explosives specialist.
The other three defendants are scheduled to appear in Brooklyn before being transferred to Salt Lake City for further proceedings.
Moesser is scheduled to appear in federal court in Salt Lake City on April 10 (Today).
