Diaspora

DRC-Attempted Coup: Two American Defendants Cite Coercion

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2024

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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

Diaspora Diva – Duckie Thot

Published

1 week ago

April 4, 2026

admin

Duckie Thot has become one of the most recognisable faces in global fashion, admired for her striking beauty and strong presence on international runways. Born Nyadak Thot on October 23, 1995, in Melbourne, she is of South Sudanese heritage and grew up in Australia after her family fled conflict in South Sudan before her birth.

Thot first gained public attention in 2013 when she competed in Australia’s Next Top Model, finishing as one of the top contestants. Al-though the exposure helped launch her career, she initially struggled to secure opportunities in Australia, which she attributed to limit-ed representation for models of colour in the local fashion industry.

Determined to pursue her dream, she later relocated to New York, where her career quickly gained momentum. A breakthrough moment came when she was invited to work with Kanye West, leading to her runway debut at the Yeezy Spring/Summer 2017 show. Since then, she has walked for major fashion houses and featured in campaigns for brands including Fenty Beauty, Balmain and Moschino.

Her profile rose further when she starred as Alice in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar in-spired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The project, which featured an all-Black cast, celebrated diversity in fashion and helped cement Thot’s reputation as one of the industry’s most influen-tial models.Beyond modelling, Thot has also been vocal about di-versity and inclusion in the beauty and fashion world. Having once struggled to find makeup suited to her skin tone on photo shoots, she now advocates for broader repre-sentation behind the scenes and on the runway, inspiring a new generation of models to see themselves reflected

Diaspora

Diaspora Watch Vol. 86

Published

2 weeks ago

March 29, 2026

Excel Blogger

Diaspora Watch Newspaper Rolls Out 86th Edition

Diaspora Watch Newspaper announces the publication of its 86th edition, a robust compilation of major global developments, policy debates, and defining moments across politics, economy, and culture.

Diaspora Watch FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-86/

On Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3294104?__r=1069759

SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE LINK BELOW !!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/

Leading the edition is a striking governance story from Madagascar, where the President has proposed the use of lie detector tests for cabinet members—an unprecedented move that has ignited conversations around transparency and executive accountability.

Also headlining the front page is the uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of engagement with Iran, a development that has triggered mixed reactions and heightened global attention amid already fragile diplomatic dynamics.

In Europe, Hungary has launched an official investigation following claims that its Foreign Minister was subjected to illegal wiretapping, raising serious questions about privacy, state surveillance, and political intrigue. In a related development, Trump has stirred further controversy after sharing a satirical skit mocking British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, even as sensitive discussions around the Iran situation continue.

On the international stage, China has cautioned the United States and Israel against escalating crises, invoking lessons from the Iraq War as a warning against the far-reaching consequences of military conflict.

From Africa, the World Health Organization has confirmed the deaths of 64 individuals in a hospital attack in Sudan, highlighting the deepening humanitarian emergency in the region. Additionally, African governments are intensifying efforts to regulate the digital economy, with new moves to tax online gambling platforms facing resistance from industry operators.

In the Caribbean, the private sector has lauded Afreximbank’s $5 billion investment pledge, describing it as a transformative initiative expected to strengthen economic cooperation and unlock new opportunities for growth within the region.

Completing the edition, the back page celebrates global pop culture, as bold, feather-inspired fashion takes center stage at the Oscars red carpet, reflecting creativity and evolving style narratives in the entertainment industry.

This edition reinforces Diaspora Watch Newspaper’s dedication to delivering authoritative journalism, in-depth analysis, and stories that matter to a global audience.

Stay Informed and ahead of the curve with the 50th edition of Diaspora Watch, where we explore the complex dynamics shaping our world and provide insights into the stories that matter.

Stay connected with the world around you – read Diaspora Watch today!

Celebrating African excellence and spotlighting pressing global issues.

#DiasporaWatch #AfricaInFocus #GlobalNews #CulturalVoices #AfricanPerspective

Diaspora

Zenith Bank to Host Diaspora Engagement, Banking Services for Nigerians in Texas

Published

2 months ago

February 19, 2026

diasporawatch

Zenith Bank to Host Diaspora Engagement, Banking Services for Nigerians in Texas

Zenith Bank Plc has announced a Diaspora engagement programme aimed at providing essential banking and identity services to Nigerians residing in the United States, with activities scheduled to hold in Houston and Dallas, Texas.

The initiative, according to information obtained by Diaspora Watch Newspaper, targeted at Nigerians in the diaspora, is designed to ease access to banking services and strengthen financial inclusion among citizens living abroad.

The programme will feature free Bank Verification Number (BVN) enrolment, National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, seamless account opening, account reactivation, and digital banking onboarding.

Diaspora Watch Newspaper further gathered that participants will also benefit from mobile and internet banking activation, instant debit card issuance, and access to mortgage products offered at concessionary rates.

The engagement will further provide a platform for interaction with IT experts, creatives, influencers, and other service exporters, in line with efforts to deepen diaspora participation in Nigeria’s economy.

The Houston leg of the exercise will take place at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria on February 24, 25 and 28, 2026, while another session will hold at The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, on February 26 and 27, 2026.

The Dallas session is scheduled for March 3, 4 and 5, 2026, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria.

Activities are expected to run daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Prospective participants have been advised to come along with valid proof of address as stipulated in the registration requirements.

Zenith Bank noted that the programme forms part of its ongoing diaspora banking strategy, aimed at supporting Nigerians abroad with convenient access to financial services and fostering stronger economic ties between the diaspora community and Nigeria.

For further enquiries, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Zenith Bank’s Diaspora Banking desk via WhatsApp or telephone, or through the official diaspora banking email.

Website: https://www.zenithbank.com

WhatsApp/call: +234 913 107 2967

Zenith Bank to Host Diaspora Engagement, Banking Services for Nigerians in Texas