Presidential Pardon in DRC: Three Americans Sentenced to Death Avoid Execution
On April 2, 2025, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi commuted the death sentences of three Americans, including Marcel Malanga, involved in a failed coup attempt in May 2024, to life imprisonment. This rare use of presidential clemency may impact diplomatic relations with the U.S. and reflects ongoing discussions around justice in the DRC.
hassan benyoub 
Kinshasa, April 2, 2025 – In a significant move, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has commuted the death sentences of three American nationals convicted for their roles in a failed coup attempt in May 2024. The trio, including Marcel Malanga—son of the alleged ringleader—will now serve life imprisonment instead, marking a dramatic shift in their fate.
Clemency for Coup Plotters
The three Americans were among those found guilty of orchestrating an armed bid to overthrow the government in Kinshasa last May. Marcel Malanga, whose father is believed to have masterminded the plot, faced execution alongside his two accomplices. However, President Tshisekedi’s decision to grant clemency has spared them from the gallows, replacing their death penalties with life sentences.
The commutation, announced on Wednesday, reflects a rare use of presidential authority in a case that has drawn international attention due to the involvement of foreign nationals. While the DRC retains the death penalty, executions have been infrequent in recent years, making Tshisekedi’s intervention a notable development.
Background of the Coup Attempt
The May 2024 coup attempt shocked the DRC, a nation long plagued by political instability and armed conflict. Authorities accused the group, which included the three Americans, of plotting to destabilize Tshisekedi’s administration. Marcel Malanga’s familial tie to the alleged leader added a layer of intrigue to the high-stakes case. Following a swift trial, the death sentences handed down underscored the government’s firm stance against such threats.
Implications and Reactions
Tshisekedi’s decision could signal a broader shift in the DRC’s approach to capital punishment, though no official statement has confirmed this. The move may also ease diplomatic tensions with the United States, given the nationality of the convicted individuals. Details about the other two Americans remain limited, but their reprieve alongside Malanga has shifted focus to the president’s clemency powers.
The commutation comes amid ongoing debates about justice and security in the DRC, a country rich in resources yet grappling with governance challenges. For now, the three men will spend their lives behind bars, a fate sealed by Tshisekedi’s intervention rather than the executioner’s hand.
