The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has commuted the death sentences of three Americans convicted of attempting a coup to life imprisonment, days before US government officials are due to visit the central African country.

Three Americans convicted for their role in a failed coup in Democratic Republic of Congo last year have had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, the presidency has said. They were among 37 people sentenced to death last September by a military court.

President Felix Tshisekedi has commuted the death sentences of three Americans convicted of attempting a coup, reducing their punishment to life imprisonment.This decision comes just days before US government officials are set to visit the central African nation.