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DR Congo agrees to receive third-country migrants deported from US
The Democratic Republic of Congo has formalized an arrangement to accept migrants deported from the United States who are not Congolese nationals, officials confirmed this week. The deal, effective immediately, includes logistical support from Washington but no financial burden on Kinshasa.
Reception facilities prepared in Kinshasa
The Congolese Ministry of Communication announced on Sunday that temporary reception infrastructure has been established in the capital. Specific sites have been designated to accommodate arriving deportees, though the government did not disclose how many individuals it expects to receive.
US provides technical support, Congo covers no costs
Under the agreement, the United States will supply "logistical and technical support" for the operation, according to the ministry's statement. The Congolese government emphasized it would not incur any financial expenses related to the scheme.
"This initiative aligns with our commitment to human dignity, international solidarity, and the protection of migrants' rights," the statement said.
No plans to return migrants to home countries
Congolese officials addressed concerns that deportees might be sent back to their countries of origin, where some could face persecution. The government clarified that no such transfers are currently planned, describing the arrangement as a temporary measure rather than a "permanent relocation mechanism."
US policy under scrutiny
The US State Department declined to comment on diplomatic discussions but reiterated its stance on curbing illegal immigration. "The government remains unwavering in its commitment to end illegal and mass immigration and bolster America's border security," a spokesperson said.
Since taking office in January 2026, the Trump administration has deported individuals to third countries as part of its immigration enforcement strategy. Human rights groups have criticized the policy, raising questions about its legality.
Regional and financial context
DR Congo joins a growing list of African nations, including Eswatini, Ghana, and South Sudan, that have accepted deportees from the US. Last week, Uganda received eight individuals from various African countries under similar arrangements.
A US Senate minority report estimated the Trump administration has spent over $40 million on third-country deportations through January 2026, though the total cost remains unclear. The report noted that Washington has provided more than $32 million directly to five countries-Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini, and Palau-for related efforts.
Broader US-Congo relations
The deportation agreement coincides with ongoing US negotiations with DR Congo to secure access to the country's vast mineral reserves, including cobalt, tantalum, lithium, and copper. The Trump administration has also facilitated a peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda, though implementation has faced challenges.
