Recently, two Americans, Tyler Thompson and Marcel Malanga, were sentenced for their involvement in a failed coup attempt against the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This case has brought to light the troubling history of U.S. interference in Africa.
The Failed Coup
On May 19, 2024, Thompson and Malanga, along with several other people from different countries, tried to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC. Their plan was to seize control by attacking the home of the Congolese parliamentary speaker and then the presidential residence. However, their attempt was quickly thwarted by the Congolese military. The attack led to a deadly confrontation, resulting in the deaths of Malanga’s father and five others who were trying to resist arrest.
The Sentencing
Thompson and Malanga have been sentenced for serious charges, including terrorism, murder, and illegal possession of weapons. The DRC is even seeking the death penalty for them, although this sentence has not yet been carried out in the country. The two Americans are planning to appeal their convictions.
A Long History of U.S. Influence
This case highlights a broader issue: America’s long and troubling history of interference in Africa. The U.S. has been involved in various regime change operations on the continent, often under the guise of protecting Western interests. For example, the U.S. worked with Belgium to capture and kill Patrice Lumumba, the DRC’s first prime minister, in 1960. Lumumba’s death was a significant moment in the struggle against colonialism.
Congo’s Independent Path
In recent years, the DRC has been trying to stay independent from Western influence, building closer ties with countries like Russia. In March 2024, Russia and the DRC discussed military and trade cooperation, which President Tshisekedi defended against American criticism. Tshisekedi emphasized that his country should be free to choose its friends without external judgment.
Past Secrets Revealed
The U.S. has also been linked to other controversial events in Africa. For instance, there were suspicions of American involvement in a 1987 coup plot against Burkina Faso’s revolutionary President Thomas Sankara. Sankara, known for his criticism of Western financial institutions and support for various liberation movements, was eventually succeeded by a leader who aligned more closely with U.S. policies.
Why It Matters
This recent coup attempt and its fallout serve as a reminder of the complex and often dark history of international politics. It raises questions about the influence of powerful nations on smaller countries and the impact of such interference on global relations.
The sentencing of the American plotters in the Congo coup not only reveals the dramatic events of their failed attempt but also shines a light on the broader, troubling patterns of U.S. involvement in African affairs.
