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State Department says U.S. citizens detained in Democratic Republic of Congo have been transferred to U.S. custody
Summary
A State Department spokesperson said the U.S. is aware that American citizens detained in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were transferred into U.S. custody following events of May 19, 2024, and referred further questions to the Department of Justice.
A State Department spokesperson said the department is aware that the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) transferred U.S. citizens who had been detained in connection with the events of May 19, 2024, into U.S. custody.
The spokesperson described the department’s highest priority as the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas and said the detainees — who had previously faced death sentences that were commuted to life imprisonment — have been transferred. The spokesperson directed further questions to the U.S. Department of Justice for legal details and said the department seeks “consistent, compassionate, humane treatment and a fair legal process on behalf of those U.S. citizens.”
The spokesperson also condemned the armed attacks of May 19 and said the United States supports DRC authorities in holding those responsible accountable while stressing the need for humane treatment of U.S. citizens in custody.
No additional operational details, travel dates or court actions were provided at the briefing; the spokesperson said the department would refer to the Department of Justice for further information.
