Congo’s army has released the names of these Americans accused of participating in the May 19 attack led by little-known opposition figure Christian Malanga, AP reported.
The State Department stressed that one of its highest priorities is providing consular assistance to Americans detained abroad, which includes regular visits to ensure they receive medical care and help in finding an English-speaking lawyer.
“We have requested DRC authorities grant consular access to any U.S. citizens who may have been detained and have not received it to date,” U.S. embassy spokesperson Greg Porter said in an email to The Associated Press.
Congolese authorities have declined to confirm whether the Americans will appear in court. An army spokesman has stated that more details will be provided at a later time.
Congo’s coup web
Malanga, who had previously declared himself Congo’s president in exile, live-streamed the coup attempt alongside his son, Marcel Malanga. According to the Congolese army, Malanga was shot dead for resisting arrest.
The fate of the Americans is unclear. However, a video on social media showed a bound and bloodied Marcel as he was taken into custody. He appeared in the video with a second American, 21-year-old Tyler Thompson Jr.
Thompson flew to Africa with Marcel for what his family believed was a vacation, with all expenses paid by Malanga. Other teammates alleged that Marcel had offered up to $100,000 to join him on a “security job” in Congo.
Thompson’s family insists he had no knowledge of Malanga’s coup plans and had intended to visit only South Africa and Eswatini.
