Congo Agrees to Accept Third-Country Deportees from the US in Landmark Accord

KINSHASA – The Democratic Republic of Congo has agreed to accept a number of migrants under a new arrangement with the United States, reflecting the Trump administration’s ongoing third-country program. On Sunday, officials in Congo confirmed they would be receiving deportees from the U.S., joining a growing list of African nations participating in similar agreements.

The Congolese Ministry of Communications announced that deportees are scheduled to begin arriving this month, although specifics regarding the exact timing and number of migrants remain undisclosed.

The ministry characterized the agreement as a “temporary” arrangement, emphasizing Congo’s dedication to upholding human dignity and international cooperation. The government also noted that the logistical costs associated with the deportations would be entirely covered by the United States, ensuring no financial burden on Congo.

This arrangement is part of a broader strategy by the U.S., which has established similar deportation agreements with at least seven other African countries. These deals have frequently involved nations that have been significantly impacted by the Trump administration’s policies, which include restrictions on trade, aid, and migration.

According to a recent report by the Democratic staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Trump administration has allocated a minimum of $40 million to facilitate the deportation of approximately 300 migrants to countries other than their own.

However, these agreements have attracted scrutiny from lawyers and human rights activists. Concerns have been raised about the nature of these deals, particularly as several participating African nations, such as Eswatini, South Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea, are known for their repressive governments and questionable human rights practices.

A key bone of contention in many such agreements is that they involve many migrants with protection orders from a U.S. immigration judge not to be returned to their home countries over major safety concerns.

Congo’s government said no automatic transfer of the deportees is planned, adding: “Each situation will be subject to individual review in accordance with the laws of the Republic and national security requirements.”