Three American nationals sentenced over a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been handed over to U.S. custody, authorities in Kinshasa confirmed, in a move that underscores deepening ties between the two countries amid strategic negotiations over security cooperation and critical mineral resources.
The Congolese presidency said the transfer followed the commutation of their death sentences last week, allowing the trio to serve the remainder of their punishment in the United States. The agreement was finalized during a visit to Kinshasa by Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs, who met with President Félix Tshisekedi in the capital.
“This marks a new phase in cooperation between our countries,” said presidential spokesperson Tina Salama, calling the move a sign of “growing mutual trust.”
The handover takes place against the backdrop of heightened discussions between Kinshasa and Washington, as Congo pushes for greater U.S. involvement in stabilizing its conflict-ridden eastern region. The talks also include potential U.S. access to Congo’s vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, and other rare minerals vital to global tech and green energy industries.
Failed Coup, Diplomatic Bargain
The Americans were among 37 individuals sentenced by a military court following a May 2024 coup attempt reportedly orchestrated by U.S.-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga. Among those arrested was Malanga’s 22-year-old son, Marcel, who said at trial he was forced to take part under threats from his father. The incident caused diplomatic tensions and protests that damaged several foreign embassies, including the U.S. mission in Kinshasa.
Lobbyist Joseph Szlavik-Soto, who represents Kinshasa’s interests in Washington, said the Congolese government has agreed to cover costs for the embassy damages as part of the broader reconciliation deal. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on that aspect but reiterated that returning detained Americans is a key diplomatic goal.
Minerals-for-Security Strategy
The timing of the release coincides with Congo’s proposal of a “minerals-for-security” pact, aimed at reducing dependence on Chinese mining companies and seeking American backing for military and development support. Though Washington has not publicly confirmed the arrangement, U.S. officials have expressed interest in deeper engagement.
Security analysts say the U.S. could provide military training or deploy contractors to assist Congolese forces battling armed groups in the east, where M23 rebels have advanced since January. A former U.S. defense official warned that such support must be conditioned on human rights compliance and sustainable reform.
A Strategic Shift
Congo’s leadership is betting that closer alignment with Washington could yield long-term benefits—economically, diplomatically, and in terms of regional stability. But the stakes remain high as violence surges and the geopolitical competition over Africa’s mineral wealth intensifies.
The transfer of the three Americans is not only a humanitarian gesture—it’s a signal that Congo is repositioning itself in the global arena, one negotiation at a time.