Congo Frees Jailed Americans After Failed Coup, Hands Them Over to U.S.

Three American citizens imprisoned over a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been released and transferred to U.S. custody, following high-level diplomatic talks focused on security cooperation and mining agreements.

The Congolese presidency confirmed the Americans were handed over after their sentences were commuted last week, allowing them to serve their remaining time in the United States.

The handover was finalized during a visit to Kinshasa by Massad Boulos, senior Africa adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, who met with President Felix Tshisekedi amid ongoing negotiations between both nations.

The talks come as the U.S. expresses interest in Congo’s proposed minerals-for-security deal, with the State Department recently signaling openness to partnerships involving critical minerals.

Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, said the move reflects growing bilateral cooperation.

The release also followed appeals from the Trump administration’s special envoy for hostage affairs. The State Department reiterated that repatriating detained Americans remains a top priority.

Additionally, lobbyist Joseph Szlavik-Soto revealed that Congo agreed to cover damages from protests earlier this year that targeted the U.S. embassy and other foreign missions.