Diaspora
DRC-Attempted Coup: Two American Defendants Cite Coercion
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), two American citizens on trial for their alleged involvement in a failed coup in May told a court that they were coerced by the coup leader.
The leader of the coup, U.S.-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga, was killed by security forces on May 19. Marcel Malanga, 22, the son of Christian Malanga, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, testified that Christian Malanga threatened to kill them if they did not comply.
Marcel said he came to Congo at his father’s invitation and had no prior involvement in the plot. He added that he is American and does not speak French or Lingala. Marcel and Zalman-Polun are among over 50 individuals, including citizens from various countries, on trial for charges like illegal arms possession, criminal conspiracy, and terrorism. Zalman-Polun, a long-time business associate of Malanga, denied involvement in the coup planning.
The trial was adjourned until Monday, July 8. Tyler Thompson Jr., 21, flew to Africa from Utah with the younger Malanga for what his family believed was a vacation, with all expenses paid by the elder Malanga. The young men had played high school football together in the Salt Lake City suburbs. Other teammates accused Marcel of offering up to $100,000 to join him on a “seDRC-Attempted Coup: Two American Defendants Cite Coercion curity job” in Congo. Thompson appeared before the court with a shaved head and sores on his skin, looking nervous and lost as he confirmed his name and other personal details.
His stepmother, Miranda Thompson, told The Associated Press that the family found out about the hearing too late to arrange travel to Congo, but hoped to be present for future court dates. Before this week, the family had no proof he was still alive. The U.S. Embassy in Congo told the AP it had yet to gain access to the American prisoners to provide consular services before the trial.
Thompson’s family maintains he had no knowledge of the elder Malanga’s intentions, no plans for political activism and didn’t even plan to enter Congo. He and the Malangas were meant to travel only to South Africa and Eswatini, Thompson’s stepmother said. Marcel Malanga’s mother, Brittney Sawyer, has said her son is innocent and simply followed his father, who considered himself president of a shadow government in exile. Sawyer and the Thompsons are independently crowdfunding for legal expenses and travel funds to be present for the rest of the trial.
Both families say they remain worried about their sons’ health — Malanga has a liver disease, and Thompson contracted malaria earlier in the trip. A prominent Belgian-Congolese researcher on political and security issues, Jean-Jacques Wondo, also appeared in court on Friday. It was unclear what evidence was held against him. Human Rights Watch said it had consulted with Wondo for years on research, and his only link to Malanga appears to be an old photo.
The attack lasted about three hours before it was repelled. At least three people were killed in the attacks in Kinshasa, and several attackers, including “foreigners” are now in custody. The implications of foreign interference in DRC are far-reaching, with the conflict in eastern Congo becoming intertwined with the exploitation of the country’s natural resources, leading to a cycle of poverty and militarization.
The illegal exploitation of minerals and natural resources remains a significant driver of instability in the region. Neighboring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda compete for economic control over Congo’s lucrative resources, military influence, and political power. The conflict has resulted in a significant number of human
rights violations, including sexual violence and forced recruitment of children into armed groups.
The conflict has also caused significant economic instability and disruption, exacerbated poor economic conditions, and led to a worsening food insecurity situation.
Diplomatic concerns between the U.S. and DRC have also been raised, with the U.S. being DRC’s largest bilateral donor, providing more than $1.7 billion in health assistance over the past 20 years.
The U.S. has provided more than $500 million annually in humanitarian assistance in the DRC. The U.S. aims to develop an enhanced economic relationship with the DRC as a major investor and trading partner. The two countries have signed a bilateral investment treaty and a trade and investment framework agreement.
The U.S. Embassy in Congo has expressed concern over the trial, with a spokesperson stating that they are “monitoring the situation closely” and have “requested access to the American citizens detained in connection with the alleged coup attempt.” The DRC government has assured the U.S. that the trial will be fair and transparent.
As the trial continues, the implications of foreign interference in DRC and the diplomatic concerns between the U.S. and DRC will remain a focus of attention. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the
region
Diaspora Watch Unveils 63rd Edition: A Global Mirror of Power, Politics and People
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The 63rd edition of Diaspora Watch Newspapers has hit the stands this week, bringing readers a compelling mix of global power plays, continental shifts, economic pursuits and cultural flashpoints.
From New York to Niamey, London to Lagos, the edition offers a panoramic view of unfolding events shaping the world and Africa’s place within it.
On the cover, U.S. politics takes centre stage as President Donald Trump, addressing the United Nations, boldly declares: “No President Has Done What I’ve Done.” In a dramatic twist on African geopolitics, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger jointly announce their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, condemning it as a “neo-colonial tool.”
Kenya’s President turns to America’s corporate giants, assuring investors of stability in a pitch to attract capital inflows. Nigeria equally seizes the moment, with the NNPC outlining ambitious upstream oil and gas expansion plans targeting $60 billion in investment. Across the Caribbean, CARICOM leaders rally at the UNGA 80, pressing hard for climate justice and a development agenda that cannot be ignored.
Europe is not left out of the storm: the Welsh First Minister pointedly shuns Trump’s banquet, fueling political ripples back home, while in Africa, Cameroon’s political dynasty faces unusual pressure as President Biya’s daughter openly calls on citizens to reject her father’s re-election bid. Elsewhere, Albania breaks new ground with the appointment of an AI “Minister” to combat corruption in public procurement — a move being hailed as futuristic governance.
On the health front, the World Health Organization issues a sobering warning, noting that slowing progress on non-communicable diseases and mental health is putting millions at risk globally.
Sports enthusiasts will find gripping drama on the back page, where Manchester United’s crisis-hit boss lays down the gauntlet with a blunt declaration: “My way or no way.”
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The 62nd edition of Diaspora Watch Newspapers is out, delivering a hard-hitting blend of global politics, African affairs, diplomacy, business, health, and culture, with stories that cut across continents and shape conversations.
Leading the cover is a riveting headline from London, where Donald Trump’s UK visit takes a dramatic turn as he sidesteps the brewing Mandelson–Epstein controversy, raising eyebrows in diplomatic and media circles alike.
In the Middle East, Saudi authorities have freed three Nigerian pilgrims detained over alleged drug trafficking, bringing relief to families back home. On the domestic front, Labour Party’s Peter Obi lambasts President Tinubu over plans for emergency rule in Rivers State, stoking fresh political debates.
The global economy also takes centre stage: the United Kingdom secures a massive £150 billion U.S. investment as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Donald Trump strike a landmark tech deal. Meanwhile, South Sudan is plunged deeper into crisis as President Salva Kiir suspends his deputy, Riek Machar, and accuses him of treason.
In Asia, U.S.-China tensions flare once again as Beijing slams Nvidia with monopoly breach accusations, just as both nations resume sensitive trade talks. Public health makes headlines with the World Health Organization’s grim report of a 50% surge in global cholera deaths. From Europe, Spain introduces disaster preparedness lessons for children, a move hailed as a pioneering approach to climate resilience.
The Caribbean bloc, CARICOM, issues a firm condemnation of Israel’s strike on Qatar, insisting on respect for international law. In the energy sector, the United States oil industry struggles as job losses mount and companies slash spending amid sliding prices.
On the cultural front, Hollywood dazzles as Brad Pitt and The Studio emerge dominant at the 2025 Emmy Awards, sealing their place in entertainment history.
With fearless reportage and bold editorial framing, Diaspora Watch continues to provide the diaspora community with sharp insights and global perspectives, reinforcing its position as the voice of Africans abroad and a trusted lens on world affairs.
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The 56th edition of Diaspora Watch is out, and it’s packed with insightful analysis on the latest global economic trends.
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This issue shines a spotlight on the US sanctions targeting firms across Asia and the Middle East over their links to Iran’s oil industry, sparking a ripple effect in the global energy market.
Meanwhile, Africa is making a strategic pivot towards China, capitalizing on the Asian giant’s economic prowess amidst US tariffs. This shift is poised to redefine Africa’s economic landscape and open up new opportunities for growth and development.
In other news, the 2025 ACTIF conference brought together key stakeholders, including Amb. Tochil Nwaneri, as the Africa and Caribbean regions signed $290 million worth of deals. This landmark agreement is set to bolster economic ties between the two regions and drive progress.
Japanese investors are also taking notice of Africa’s growth story, eyeing opportunities to tap into the continent’s vast potential.
However, the US fertility rate has plummeted to 1.6 kids per woman, raising concerns about the country’s demographic future.
On the faith front, Bishop Ogunedo urged the faithful to maintain firm faith in the Lord Jesus, emphasizing the importance of spiritual resilience in these uncertain times.
This edition of Diaspora Watch also highlights the NNPC’s assurance of speedy delivery of the $2.8 billion AKK gas pipeline project, Guyana’s new official residence for the CARICOM Secretary-General, and Tinubu’s conferment of national honors on the Super Falcons.
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