1. Americans accused of involvement in Congo coup attempt
2. Americans implicated in alleged Congo coup plot.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
DAKAR, Senegal — Three Americans were part of a brazen attack on Congo’s presidential palace, led by eccentric opposition figure Christian Malanga. The group, including Malanga’s Utah-born son Marcel, attempted to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi in a foiled coup, resulting in multiple casualties and arrests, according to Congolese officials.
Unlikely Band of Attackers
The attack, which took place over the weekend, saw Malanga and his accomplices attempting to seize power in one of Africa’s largest countries. Malanga, who was killed in a shootout with presidential guards, had convinced his son Marcel, a former high school football player, to join him in the coup.
Marcel’s mother, Brittney Sawyer, maintains her son’s innocence, despite his involvement in the violent incident. She described Marcel as an innocent boy following his father’s lead, expressing frustration at the unfolding events.
Family Background and Troubled Past
Malanga, who portrayed himself as a refugee turned political leader, had a troubled past that included criminal convictions and domestic violence charges. Despite his claims of being a devoted family man and political figure, court records revealed a different side to his character.
Malanga’s involvement in the United Congolese Party and his self-proclaimed presidency of the “New Zaire” government in exile raised questions about his true intentions and connections within the political sphere.
International Connections and Alleged Plots
Reports suggest that Malanga had ties to high-level U.S. political figures, although the extent of these connections remains unclear. Dino Mahtani, an independent researcher, speculated that Malanga may have been set up or betrayed in the coup attempt, given the questionable nature of the attack.
The alleged coup began at the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a prominent Congolese politician, before escalating to the presidential palace. Malanga was live-streaming the events at the palace before being killed in a confrontation with authorities.
American Involvement and Response
The second American involved, Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, was linked to Malanga through a gold mining company in Mozambique. The third American’s identity remains undisclosed, as investigations into the coup attempt continue.
The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa has acknowledged the possible involvement of U.S. citizens in the coup attempt and pledged to cooperate with authorities in their investigation of the violent incident.
As details of the failed coup emerge, questions remain about the motivations and connections of the Americans involved in the dramatic events that unfolded in Congo.
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– Americans accused involvement Congo coup attempt
– Americans involvement alleged Congo coup attempt.
