US man begging for life during failed Congo coup attempt
US man in distress during failed Congo coup attempt.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A 21-year-old American man found himself embroiled in a failed coup attempt in Congo during what was supposed to be his first trip overseas. Tyler Thompson’s journey took a dramatic turn as he became entangled in a wild plot to overthrow the Congolese government. Along with 49 others, including two other Americans, Thompson was detained following the failed uprising led by Christian Malanga, who was shot dead during the incident.
Thompson, along with convicted marijuana trafficker Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun and Malanga’s son, Utah high school football player Marcel Malanga, were among the US citizens captured for their alleged involvement in the coup attempt. Thompson’s stepmother, Miranda Thompson, revealed that her stepson had travelled abroad for the first time to visit Marcel’s family, with whom he had played high school football in West Jordan, Utah.
Thompson’s family was under the impression that he was on vacation in South Africa when news of his arrest in Congo surfaced. Miranda disclosed that Thompson had informed them of an unexpected turn of events during his trip to Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, where he had reportedly contracted malaria. Malanga had offered to cover expenses to extend the trip, leading to their unplanned visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite the confusion surrounding Thompson’s involvement in the failed coup, his family attested to his lack of prior knowledge or intentions of engaging in political activism during his trip. The distressing footage of Thompson being detained and beaten by Congolese soldiers left his loved ones in disbelief and anguish.
Unfolding of Events and Allegations
Christian Malanga, a naturalized US citizen exiled from Congo, spearheaded the United Congolese Party, an opposition political party-in-exile. In a livestreamed video before the attack, Malanga accused President Felix Tshisekedi’s government of various missteps, setting the stage for the failed coup attempt.
Connections between Zalman-Polun and Marcel’s father through a gold mining company hinted at potential motives behind the uprising. The prompt response of the DRC’s security forces was lauded by the government for thwarting the attack and maintaining stability in the region.
The fate of Tyler Thompson remains uncertain as the Congolese government has yet to confirm his status, leaving his family and friends in a state of distress and uncertainty. The shocking turn of events highlights the unpredictability of international travel and the unforeseen circumstances that can arise.
This exclusive story was first reported by the New York Post and has been reproduced here with permission.
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“US man begging for life during failed Congo coup attempt”.
