Three Americans were part of a failed coup attempt on Congo's presidential palace led by opposition figure Christian Malanga. The attack resulted in six deaths, including Malanga, and multiple arrests. Malanga's 21-year-old son, Marcel, was among those arrested.
Marcel's mother, Brittney Sawyer, maintains her son's innocence, stating that he was following his father's lead. Malanga, a former refugee, had a criminal record in Utah, including convictions for assault and domestic violence.
Malanga described himself as the leader of the United Congolese Party and president of the 'New Zaire' government in exile. He had connections with U.S. political figures and was suspected of previous plots against Congolese leaders.
The coup attempt began at the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a federal legislator, and was swiftly thwarted by guards. Malanga was killed in a shootout with presidential guards at the palace.
Another American involved, Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, had a history of drug trafficking charges in the U.S. and was connected to Malanga through a gold mining company in Mozambique.
The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa acknowledged the possible involvement of U.S. citizens in the events and pledged to cooperate with authorities in the investigation.
