Categories: World

Congo hasn’t allowed US access to Americans arrested in coup attempt, embassy says

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for June 3

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

  • The U.S. Embassy in Congo said that Congolese authorities have not shared details or provided access to the three Americans who were accused of having a role in a recent failed coup attempt and arrested last month.
  • Congolese authorities have declined to say whether the Americans will appear in court.
  • The coup attempt was led by little-known opposition figure Christian Malanga, who in the past declared himself Congo’s president in exile. Malanga live-streamed the attack with his Utah-born son, Marcel Malanga, and was ultimately shot and killed for resisting arrest.

The U.S. Embassy in Congo said Monday that Congolese authorities have not shared details or provided access to the Americans who were arrested following a coup attempt last month, following pleas for help from one family trying to confirm whether their son is alive.

Congo’s army has released the names of three Americans accused of having a role in the attack led by little-known opposition figure Christian Malanga on May 19. The State Department says one of its highest priorities is providing consular assistance to Americans detained abroad, including regular visits to ensure medical care and assisting with 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.

FAMILY BAFFLED AFTER SON CAUGHT IN FAILED CONGO COUP: ‘DID NOT GO TO AFRICA WITH PLANS FOR POLITICAL ACTIVISM’

Congolese authorities did not immediately respond. They have declined to say whether the Americans will appear in court. An army spokesman has said more details will come later.

Rebecca Higbee, the mother of Tyler Thompson, points to her son and his friend Marcel during his 21st birthday with his family on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in West Jordan, Utah. A U.S. embassy spokesperson in Congo said on June 3, 2024, that Congolese authorities had not shared details or provided access to any Americans that were arrested following a coup attempt in the country last month. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Malanga, who in the past declared himself Congo’s president in exile, live-streamed the attempt to overthrow the government with his Utah-born son, Marcel Malanga, as they threatened President Felix Tshisekedi from inside the presidential palace. Malanga was shot dead for resisting arrest, the Congolese army said. In all, six people were killed and dozens arrested.

The fate of the Americans is unclear. 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. His family said they had played high school football together.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

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. Last week, Thompson’s family told the AP they didn’t know if he was still alive.

Thompson’s family maintains he had no knowledge of the elder Malanga’s intentions and no plans for political activism and didn’t even plan to enter Congo. They were meant to travel only to South Africa and Eswatini, his stepmother, Miranda Thompson, said.

Marcel’s mother, Brittney Sawyer, has said her son is innocent and had simply followed his father.

Share

Recent Posts

AI jobs that pay $200K or more

I know that many of you are afraid that AI is going to take your…

1 hour ago

Rude ChatGPT prompts, better answers? What the data says

Do rude prompts really get better answers? Short answer: sometimes. A 2025 arXiv study tested…

7 hours ago

AI girlfriend apps leak millions of private chats

Millions of private messages meant to stay secret are now public. Two AI companion apps,…

1 day ago

Teens face new PG-13 limits on Instagram

Instagram is turning up the parental controls. The app will now treat teen accounts more…

1 day ago

Discord confirms vendor breach exposed user IDs in ransom plot

In 2025, it feels like cybercriminals are winning while the world's biggest data hoarders are…

2 days ago

Teens turning to AI for love and comfort

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just helping students with homework. A new survey from…

2 days ago