Africa

DR Congo coup: US, British citizens among 37 sentenced to death

Published

2 years ago

September 14, 2024

DR Congo coup: US, British citizens among 37 sentenced to death

Thirty-seven people – including three Americans, a Briton, a Belgian and a Canadian national – have been sentenced to death over an attempt to overthrow the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The men were accused of leading an attack on both the presidential palace and the home of an ally of President Félix Tshisekedi in May.

Christian Malanga, a US national of Congolese origin, the suspected leader of the plot, was killed during the attack, along with five others.

In total 51 people were tried in a military court, with hearings broadcast on national TV and radio.

Malanga’s son Marcel, one of the US citizens sentenced to death, previously told the court that his father had threatened to kill him unless he took part.

His friend Tyler Thompson, was also given the death penalty. The pair, aged in their 20s, had played football together in Utah.

His stepmother Miranda Thompson in June told the BBC the family had “zero idea” how he had ended up in DR Congo.

“We were in complete shock as to what was happening, and the unknown. Everything we were learning was what we were getting off Google,” she said.

The third American, Benjamin Zalman-Polun, had business interests with Christian Malanga.

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Also sentenced to death was Jean-Jacques Wondo, a dual Congolese and Belgian citizen.

Human Rights Watch previously described him as a prominent researcher on regional politics and security, and suggested the evidence connecting him to the coup attempt was thin.

The AFP news agency reports that the Briton and Canadian nationals were of Congolese origin.

The court heard the British national, Youssouf Ezangi, had helped recruit some of the others who took part.

Of the 51 tried, 14 people were acquitted and freed, with the court finding they had no connection to the attack.

Those convicted have five days to appeal against their sentences.

Death sentences have not been carried out in DR Congo for roughly two decades – convicts who receive the penalty serve life imprisonment instead.

The government lifted this moratorium in March this year, citing the need to remove “traitors” from the nation’s dysfunctional army. However, no death penalties have been carried out since.

The attempted coup began in the capital, Kinshasa, in the early hours of 19 May. Armed men first attacked parliamentary speaker Vital Kamerhe’s home in Kinshasa then headed to the president’s official residence.

Witnesses say a group of about 20 assailants in army uniform attacked the palace and an exchange of gunfire followed.

An army spokesman later announced on national TV that security forces had stopped “an attempted coup d’etat”.

Local media reports said the assailants were members of the New Zaire Movement linked to Malanga, an exiled DR Congolese politician.

Malanga was shot dead in the attack after resisting arrest, said army spokesperson Brig Gen Sylavin Ekenge.

President Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term in disputed elections last year in December. He won about 78% of the vote.

DR Congo is a country with vast mineral wealth and a huge population. Despite this, life is difficult for many people, with conflict, corruption and poor governance persisting.

Much of the country’s natural resources lie in the east where violence still rages despite Mr Tshisekedi’s attempts to deal with the situation by imposing a state of siege, ceasefire deals and bringing in troops from neighbouring countries.

DR Congo coup: US, British citizens among 37 sentenced to death

BBC

Africa

Nigeria Apologises Over ‘Igbo King’ Controversy in South Africa as Protests Turn Violent

Published

4 days ago

April 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

Nigeria Apologises Over ‘Igbo King’ Controversy in South Africa as Protests Turn Violent

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has formally apologised following a diplomatic and social backlash over the alleged coronation of an “Igbo king” in Eastern Cape Province.

The controversy began after reports emerged that Solomon Eziko was crowned “Igwe” of Kugompo in South London, a town in the Eastern Cape. Videos and images from the event circulated widely, triggering outrage among locals who viewed the development as an attempt to establish a foreign traditional authority within South Africa.

The situation escalated on Monday as protests turned violent in parts of the province. Demonstrators reportedly torched vehicles and buildings linked to foreign nationals, while angry residents marched through affected areas demanding swift government intervention.

Some protesters issued strong warnings, with calls for the deportation of Nigerians associated with the event and threats of further unrest if authorities failed to act. The unrest highlights longstanding tensions around immigration and economic competition involving foreign nationals in South Africa.

In a statement dated March 26, the Nigerian High Commission clarified that the Igbo East London gathering was purely a cultural festival and not a coronation. The mission stressed that the event had been widely misunderstood and did not amount to the installation of a traditional ruler.

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Providing context, the Commission explained that Igbo cultural practices often include symbolic ceremonies that may resemble coronations but are not political in nature. It cited traditions such as the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji), masquerade displays (Mmanwu), traditional marriage rites (Igba Nkwu), and chieftaincy title ceremonies as integral parts of Igbo heritage.

On Tuesday, Deputy High Commissioner Olajide Ogunmadeji addressed protesting groups, offering an apology and reaffirming Nigeria’s respect for South African institutions.

“They are only celebrating their cultural activity. It is not a political or traditional institution,” Ogunmadeji said.
“I offer our apology to the traditional institutions in South Africa. We are sorry for what has happened. The embassy would never encourage the undermining of authority or institutions.”

Authorities in Eastern Cape have reportedly taken steps to restore calm, while community leaders continue engagements to prevent further escalation.

The Nigerian mission also issued a security advisory urging Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant, limit movement, and suspend socio-cultural gatherings. It warned against inflammatory comments on social or mainstream media that could worsen the already tense situation.

The incident has drawn attention to the sensitive nature of traditional leadership structures in South Africa, where such institutions are formally recognised and regulated by law. Analysts say misunderstandings involving cultural expressions by foreign communities can quickly escalate into broader diplomatic and security concerns.

While the apology appears to have eased tensions slightly, stakeholders in South Africa continue to demand clear assurances and accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Nigeria Apologises Over ‘Igbo King’ Controversy in South Africa as Protests Turn Violent

Africa

Burkina Faso Junta Leader Traoré Orders Citizens to ‘Forget Democracy’

Published

4 days ago

April 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traoré

Burkina Faso Junta Leader Traoré Orders Citizens to ‘Forget Democracy’

Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has urged citizens to set aside discussions about democratic governance, declaring that “democracy isn’t for us” as his junta consolidates control over the country. The comments came during a televised interview on state-run RTB on Thursday, highlighting the government’s rejection of elections and civilian rule.

Traoré seized power in a September 2022 coup, overthrowing a previous military government. Since then, his administration has extended a transition to civilian governance by five years, keeping him in power amid the country’s decade-long jihadist insurgency, which has caused thousands of deaths.

During the broadcast, Traoré dismissed the prospect of elections, saying: “We’re not even talking about elections, first of all. People need to forget about the issue of democracy.” Analysts note that his remarks signal a deepening authoritarian grip and a departure from the democratic transition initially promised after the coup.

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The junta has also taken sweeping political actions, including dissolving the independent electoral commission in October 2025 and banning all political parties in February 2026. These measures have virtually eliminated organized political competition and restricted civilian participation in governance.

International observers, including the United Nations, have urged Burkina Faso to restore civic freedoms and reverse the ban on political parties, warning that the country’s democratic institutions are under serious threat. Traoré’s administration has also expelled or suspended several international media outlets, limiting independent reporting.

The military government cites security concerns as justification for its authoritarian policies, framing its rule as necessary to combat the persistent insurgency in the Sahel. However, critics argue that such measures consolidate power and undermine political accountability.

Burkina Faso continues to face significant humanitarian and security challenges, with Traoré’s rejection of democratic governance raising concerns about the country’s long-term stability and its relations with the international community.

Burkina Faso Junta Leader Traoré Orders Citizens to ‘Forget Democracy’

Africa

Anti-Immigrant Protest in South Africa Targets Nigerians, Others

Published

2 weeks ago

March 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Anti-Immigrant Protest in South Africa Targets Nigerians, Others

Durban, South Africa – Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Durban yesterday as the controversial civic group March and March led an anti-immigrant protest, demanding stricter immigration laws and tighter border controls. The protest specifically targeted Nigerians and other foreign nationals, amid claims that undocumented immigrants are taking jobs, straining public services, and contributing to rising crime.

Joining the march were members of the political party ActionSA and the vigilante anti-migrant group Operation Dudula, who called for the mass deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The protest marked the first anniversary of March and March raising immigration issues in public forums.

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma stoked tensions with rhetoric widely condemned as xenophobic, questioning why undocumented foreigners are allowed access to public facilities such as healthcare. “If you are saying you can’t refuse them healthcare, then why must it be public? Make them pay for their own healthcare if they want to be here in the country milking our resources,” she said.

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ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba defended his party’s participation, arguing that the government has been too slow to enforce immigration laws. “We are seeing our government allowing our country to be flooded by groups from all over the world — Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mexico, all over the world. So, we are saying to our government this is unacceptable,” Mashaba said.

Protesters, including local resident Muzi Xaba, claimed that undocumented immigrants are taking jobs from South Africans. “Our duty is to deal with labour as well as civil matters. We must remove foreigners and then hire South Africans,” he said. Anti-migrant activists also blamed foreign nationals for increasing crime and weakening local communities, fueling ongoing tensions in South Africa.

Police in Durban deployed additional personnel to maintain order and prevent clashes, using rubber bullets and teargas in some areas to disperse the crowd. Authorities warned that further unrest could escalate into violence or property damage.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) advised Nigerians in South Africa to avoid protest areas and shelter in place for safety. Officials stated they were not aware of targeted attacks but urged vigilance amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Efforts to reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment were unsuccessful.

South Africa has a long history of anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly against Nigerians, Zimbabweans, and Somalis. Analysts warn that protests such as these could exacerbate xenophobic tensions, disrupt communities, and strain diplomatic relations if not addressed through dialogue and legal enforcement.

Anti-Immigrant Protest in South Africa Targets Nigerians, Others