DR Congo Hands Over 3 Americans Jailed for Failed Coup Amid U.S. Mineral-for-Security Talks

Three American citizens jailed over a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo were handed over to U.S. custody on Tuesday. The Congolese presidency confirmed the handover and exclusively told Reuters that the transfer came after high-level talks between both countries on security and mining.

The Americans had their prison sentences commuted last week. They are now allowed to complete their terms in the United States.

The handover was finalised during a visit to Kinshasa by Massad Boulos, senior Africa adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump. He met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss a potential mineral-for-security deal. According to the report, the release came after months of quiet diplomacy. The U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs had earlier appealed to President Tshisekedi for the Americans’ release.

The U.S. State Department said returning American citizens remains a top priority. However, it declined to comment on the details of the case. The White House has also not issued a public statement.

In addition to the release, the Congolese presidency has agreed to pay for damage caused by protesters earlier this year. Demonstrators had attacked the U.S. embassy and other diplomatic missions in Kinshasa. This was confirmed by Joseph Szlavik-Soto, a lobbyist working with the Congolese government.

The transfer comes as the U.S. and Congo discuss a proposed minerals-for-security deal. Congo is seeking help from the U.S. to tackle violence in its eastern region. In exchange, it may grant American companies access to vital mineral resources.

These include cobalt, lithium, copper, uranium, and gold. They are essential for making electric vehicles, smartphones, and defence technologies. At present, China holds a strong position in Congo’s mining.

The U.S. also pursues similar mineral deals with other countries, including Ukraine. These efforts aim to secure long-term access to strategic resources in vulnerable countries. Observers caution against repeating past exploitative arrangements that benefited foreign powers while depleting African nations.

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