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
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Leading this edition is the thought-provoking headline, “Is Trump’s Security Being Tested?”, which takes a critical look at evolving security concerns surrounding the United States President, Donald Trump, raising questions about political stability and institutional preparedness in a charged electoral climate.
In a major diaspora spotlight, the edition features “US-based Retired Veterans Honor Obi of Onitsha With U.S. County Key,” capturing a symbolic moment of cross-continental recognition and cultural diplomacy, as distinguished Nigerian traditional leadership receives accolades abroad.
Global climate diplomacy takes center stage in “60 Nations Meet in Colombia to Push Fossil Fuel Exit Amid COP Deadlock,” highlighting renewed international efforts to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels despite ongoing negotiations under the COP framework.
Africa’s industrial ambitions are further explored in “Dangote Plans 650,000bpd Refinery in East Africa, Seeks Regional Backing,” detailing strategic expansion moves poised to reshape the continent’s energy landscape and strengthen regional economic integration.
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The edition also examines developments within the United States defence establishment in “US Navy Secretary Phelan Sacked Amid Pentagon Rift,” shedding light on internal policy disagreements and their implications for military leadership.
Diplomatic and cultural discourse is captured in “Ruto’s ‘Nigerian English’ Remark Sparks Diplomatic-Style Social Media Backlash,” reflecting how language, identity, and public commentary intersect in today’s digital diplomacy landscape.
Health innovation across the Caribbean is explored in “AI, Genomics Offer Path to Transform Caribbean Health – CARICOM SG,” presenting emerging opportunities for data-driven healthcare transformation within the region.
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Fifteen foreign nationals deported from the United States, mostly believed to be South Americans, have arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under a temporary hosting arrangement that is already drawing international attention and debate over migration policy and diplomatic cooperation.
The deportees landed at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa in the early hours of Friday, according to airport sources who confirmed that the group was largely made up of Colombian and Peruvian nationals.
The arrangement marks the first known batch of deportees sent to the Central African nation under a broader US policy of relocating “third-country migrants”, individuals returned to a country that is neither their origin nor initial destination.
A Congolese government source said the individuals were admitted under short-stay permits and in line with national immigration laws governing the entry and residence of foreigners.
However, authorities stressed that the arrangement is strictly temporary. “The individuals concerned are admitted to the national territory under short-stay permits, in accordance with national legislation concerning the entry and residence of foreigners,” the government stated, while offering no additional details about the identities or conditions of the deportees.
Kinshasa had earlier defended its decision to participate in the arrangement, describing it as consistent with its commitment to human dignity, migrant protection, and international solidarity.
Officials were quick to clarify, however, that the agreement should not be interpreted as a long-term relocation scheme or a form of outsourced migration control.
The United States, under its ongoing immigration enforcement policy, has expanded the practice of transferring deportees to third countries. Similar arrangements have reportedly been made with Ghana, South Sudan, and Eswatini, as Washington intensifies its crackdown on irregular migration.
Although the US State Department declined to comment on specific diplomatic communications with partner countries, it reaffirmed the administration’s hardline stance.
The department said the government remains “unwavering in its commitment to end illegal and mass immigration and bolster America’s border security.”
A minority report from the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee further suggested that the administration may have spent more than $40 million on third-country deportations up to January 2026, though officials concede that the full cost remains unclear.
The report also indicated that over $32 million had been directly disbursed to several partner countries, including Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini, and Palau.
Beyond immigration cooperation, the development comes at a time of deepening US engagement in the DRC over strategic mineral resources.
Washington is reportedly negotiating access to the country’s vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, tantalum, and copper, minerals critical to global technology and energy industries.
The arrangement also coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing eastern Congo, where conflict involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group continues to threaten regional peace.
Following recent talks mediated by the United States and Qatar in Switzerland, both the Congolese government and rebel representatives agreed on measures including humanitarian access, civilian protection, and steps toward a monitored ceasefire.
Despite these diplomatic advances, tensions remain high.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied allegations of supporting the M23 rebels, insisting instead that its military posture is defensive in nature and aimed at countering security threats from armed groups operating within Congolese territory.
Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae has steadily carved out a distinct space in global pop culture, blending Afrobeats, R&B, and alté into a sound that feels both futuristic and deeply personal.
Born Ama Serwah Genfi in the Bronx and raised between the United States and Ghana, the genre-bending star has become one of the most exciting voices redefining African music on the world stage. From her early days experimenting with mixtapes as a teenager to the release of her debut EP Passion fruit Summers in 2017.
Amaarae’s artistic journey has been rooted in fearless self-expression. Her breakout moment came with her debut album The Angel You Don’t Know, a critically acclaimed project that earned “Best New Music” recognition and positioned her as a global tastemaker.
Her viral hit Sad Girlz Luv Money, especially its remix featuring Kali Uchis, became a cultural phenomenon, dominating TikTok and international charts.
The track’s success under-scored her ability to create music that resonates across borders while maintaining a unique sonic identity.
Beyond music, Amaarae is equally celebrated for her bold fashion sense and fluid approach to gender and identity. From being featured by Vogue as a style influencer to consistently pushing visual boundaries, she embodies a new generation of African creatives who are as visually compelling as they are musically innovative.
With subsequent projects like Fountain Baby and Black Star, alongside a historic solo performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Amaarae continues to break barriers.
Whether through her sound, style, or stage presence, she remains a symbol of unapologetic individuality, one redefining what it means to be a global African pop star.
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