The first question people have presented after hearing about the failed coup attempt by Christian Malanga and his son, along with his son’s friend, is “WHY?”
Why would a father risk not only his own life but that of his son?
The answer is perhaps too simple: Hubris.
Somehow, Christian Malanga thought that this attempted coup would succeed. He had brought God into the equation, and was certain that God would open the way for Malanga to become the next president of the DR-Congo. Not surprisingly, mining was also a part of the equation, and fantasies of wealth gotten instantly through the valuable minerals in the DRC.
Malanga had his son film him threatening President Felix Tshisekedi, (“You DONE, Felix!”) and then beckoned his son to join him before the camera. Marcel Malanga came forward–carrying an AK-47.
Five minutes later, Christian Malanga was dead, killed by military guards, and the image of his bloody corpse had been circulated throughout the Congo like a message: “This is what happens if you attempt a coup.”
Marcel, his friend Tyler Thompson, and another American were quickly captured and sent to prison. (Prison in the Congo is unlike anything you will ever see in the States: Absurdly crowded and smelly.) The Americans were sentenced to death on September 13, 2024.
I was quite sure the sentences would not actually be carried out, but I resonated with the judge’s expression that the attempt was no game. “This is our country,” he said (in French).
As of today, April 9, 2025, the repatrioted Americans are in New York. The FBI will be involved in any further legal work.
I predict that Tyler Thompson will not be jailed but might be pronounced “criminally naive.” Marcel, because he was filmed carrying a weapon, will probably serve time, as will the other, who was already involved in mining alongside the late Christian Malanga.
With the young men’s families, I celebrate the commutation of their death sentences. However, I still resonate with the judge.
The Malanga coup group violated the Congo’s right to sovreignty. It put many lives at risk–and cost seventeen, including Christian Malanga’s.
As the USA faces what many call a “coup” (by Donald Trump and Elon Musk), it can be instructive to look at this failed one in the Congo.
How prepared is the current administration to carry out its plans, which might be the recasting of the USA’s stated ideals? Christian Malanga and his followere got lost immediately as they made their way to the president’s house. There was no planning, just an unrealistic dream that everything would fall into place.
How well defined was the strategy? Malanga knew he wanted to be the president, but did not anticipate that security guards might be guarding his target’s house. Likewise, the new tariffs and mass firings of federal employees has indicated a complete lack of a good strategy. Will we in the USA be on a roller coaster of undefined plans and then retreat from these plans?
How familiar were those involved with the goals of the coup? Christian Malanga had assured them that Americans would join and help them overthrow the president. This was false. Tyler Thompson had no idea that his “vacation” was actually something else entirely–and his life would be put at risk. Marcel claims that his father threatened his life if he didn’t participate. Apparently, something was missing in goal assessment.
I am not one bit surprised that those who negotiated for the repatriation of the coup members included “mining rights” in the settlement. The DR-Congo is the richest place on earth, with the highest level of poverty.
Moral of the story: Do not follow unclear paths or align yourself with anyone who can’t explain the specifics of their goal and how exactly it will be accomplished. Don’t step onto the stage unless you know and have rehearsed the script for months. In fact, don’t step onto the stage unless you LIKE the script.
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