Congo Commutes Death Sentences of Three Americans Convicted in Coup Attempt
Congo's President commuted death sentences of three Americans involved in a coup attempt to life imprisonment ahead of U.S. diplomatic visit.
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The pardon comes as Congolese authorities are trying to reach a minerals deal with the U.S. in exchange for security support that will help the country fight rebels in its conflict-hit eastern region.
Congo commutes 3 Americans' death sentences following coup attempt
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President Felix Tshisekedi granted the Americans clemency in a presidential order read out on national television late Tuesday, his spokesperson Tina Salama told CNN.
DRC president commutes death sentences for 3 Americans convicted in coup attempt
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The pardon came amid efforts by Congolese authorities to sign a minerals deal with the U.S. in exchange for security support that will help Kinshasa fight Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the conflict-hit eastern region.
Congo's leader commutes death sentences of 3 Americans convicted in failed coup attempt
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The Americans’ commutation comes amid efforts by Congolese authorities to sign a minerals deal with the US in exchange for security support to help Kinshasa fight rebels in the conflict-hit eastern region.
DR Congo spares three convicted US coup accomplices of capital punishment
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Death sentences have not been carried out in DR Congo for roughly two decades and convicts who receive the penalty usually serve life imprisonment instead.
DR Congo coup attempt: Three Americans have death sentence overturned
BBC News·18d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The pardon came amid efforts by Congolese authorities to sign a minerals deal with the U.S. in exchange for security support that will help Kinshasa fight rebels in the conflict-hit eastern region.
Congo's leader commutes death sentences of 3 Americans convicted in failed coup plot
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Summary
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has commuted the death sentences of three Americans convicted in a failed coup attempt to life imprisonment. The decision was announced amidst attempts to secure a minerals deal with the U.S. for security support against rebel groups in eastern Congo. In May 2024, six people died during the coup, which was led by opposition figure Christian Malanga. U.S. officials are expected to visit Congo, aiming to promote stability and investment in the region.
Perspectives
President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC commuted the death sentences of three Americans involved in a coup attempt, reducing them to life imprisonment amidst ongoing U.S.-DRC negotiations over a minerals deal for security support.
The failed coup attempt targeted key government figures and resulted in the death of six individuals, with most defendants convicted being Congolese nationals; however, the American defendants claimed they were coerced into participating.
The U.S. State Department has confirmed a visit from Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos to discuss sustainable peace initiatives and potential investments in the eastern DRC, indicating a foreign policy interest aligned with regional stability.
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