DRC -- Unsuccessful coup attempt. Coup leader killed. A few Americans in custody. 19 May 2024

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Americans in alleged Congo coup plot formed an unlikely band

Authorities in Congo are accusing three Americans of involvement in a brazen weekend attack on Congo’s presidential palace.

apnews.com

"Three Americans involved in a brazen weekend attack on Congo’s presidential palace formed an unlikely band under the leadership of eccentric opposition figure Christian Malanga, who dabbled in gold mining and used cars before persuading his Utah-born son to join in the foiled coup, according to officials’ description of events.

Six people, including Malanga, were dead and dozens arrested, including the three Americans, following that attack and another on the residence of a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi, the Congolese army spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge, said."

 

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https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/20/africa/americans-involved-in-drc-foiled-deadly-coup-intl/index.html

"I confirm the death of Christian Malanga neutralized during the exchange of fire at the Palais de la Nation (presidential palace),” Ekenge told CNN, adding that Malanga’s son Marcel, “was among those arrested.”

Ekenge named three other Americans, identified as Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, Patrick Ducey, and Taylor Thomson were involved in the foiled coup.

"Patrick Ducey and Taylor Thomson are the same person who have two different identities. We’re going to check his passport,” he added."

 

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https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/foiled-coup-dr-congo-heres-what-know-2024-05-20/

"WHO WAS CHRISTIAN MALANGA?

On his website, Malanga, 41, referred to himself as the "President of New Zaire" and head of a government in exile. The site does not mention plans to seize power by force, but outlines Malanga's vision for the country under his leadership.

An online biography describes him settling in the United States as a child refugee, returning to Congo to serve as an officer fighting rebels in the east, and campaigning to stoke opposition to the current Congolese political class, which he accuses of corruption and mismanagement.

Malanga, who had previously threatened on social media to overthrow Tshisekedi, first attempted an aborted coup in 2017, according to army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge."

 

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DR Congo attemped coup: Army says it thwarted attack in Kinshasa

The Democratic Republic Congo army said they have stopped an attempted coup involving Congolese and foreign soldiers.

www.bbc.com

 

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Americans in botched Congo coup 'are egomaniacs motivated by greed'

Benjamin Zalman-Polun, 36, was seen in the central African nation on Sunday before the coup's apparent leader Christian Malanga was shot dead.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

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Mom of American kidnapped in botched Congolese coup says he's innocent

Marcel Malanga, 21, and his father traveled to the central African country to lead the coup and has since been taken by the regime's forces.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

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American says he's victim of 'mistaken identity' after Congo coup

Benjamin Zalman-Polun, 36, was one of three American citizens seen in the west African nation on Sunday before the coup's apparent leader Christian Malanga was shot dead.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

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Congo names third American in a foiled coup plot as mourners gather in Utah to remember plot leader - SRN News

Congo’s army spokesman on Tuesday released the name of the third American involved a foiled coup plot in Kinshasa, while family members in Utah gathered to mourn Christian Malanga, the eccentric leader of the brazen and ill-fated attack targeting the presidential palace over the weekend. Brig...

srnnews.com

On Monday, at the West Jordan home of Malanga’s mother, Chantal Malanga, relatives gathered to mourn the deceased leader. A steady flow of friends dropped by with plates of food and to offer condolences.

Sydney, a cousin of Christian Malanga’s who answered the door, told AP the family was feeling “heartbroken” and “so raw” after learning of his death. They were discussing plans for a possible funeral in Utah, she said, without giving further details.