American defendants in unsuccessful African retaliation cite pressure
(MENAFN) In a courtroom in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two American citizens have asserted that they participated in a failed coup in May under duress, citing threats of death if they refused to comply. The incident on May 19 saw armed assailants briefly seize President Felix Tshisekedi’s office after raiding the residence of Vital Kamerhe, the outgoing economy Minister and a contender for the position of National Assembly speaker. The leader of the group, Christian Malanga, a Congolese politician who had obtained US citizenship while in exile, was killed during the clashes with security forces.
Reports indicated that six individuals lost their lives during the standoff, including two police officers who were guarding Kamerhe.
In their first public statements since the trial commenced, Marcel Malanga, son of Christian Malanga, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, both United States citizens, revealed that they felt compelled to participate due to threats issued by the coup's leader. Marcel Malanga, speaking about his involvement, emphasized that he traveled to the DRC at his father's invitation and was unaware of the plot beforehand. He highlighted his American background and unfamiliarity with local languages, stating, "I am American, I do not speak French or Lingala," underscoring that it was his inaugural visit to the central African nation.
"Dad had threatened to kill us if we did not follow his orders," Marcel Malanga asserted before the military court.
Benjamin Zalman-Polun, who acknowledged a longstanding business association with Christian Malanga dating back to 2013, clarified that he had no role in planning the attempted coup. Reflecting on his relationship with Malanga, he remarked, "I met Malanga in 2013 ... he had never been so violent."
The legal proceedings have drawn attention to the complex dynamics involving foreign nationals in internal political turmoil within the DRC, raising questions about coercion, international legal responsibilities, and the implications for diplomatic relations.
This paraphrased article expands on the testimonies of the American defendants in the Kinshasa coup attempt trial, highlighting their claims of coercion and the broader implications of the incident.
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