KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a new partnership with the Trump administration to accept migrants through a third-country deportation program, making it the latest African nation to participate in such an arrangement.
According to a statement from the Congolese Ministry of Communications released Sunday, deportees are scheduled to begin arriving in the country this month. Officials did not specify exact dates or provide details about how many individuals are expected to arrive.
The ministry characterized the agreement as a short-term arrangement that demonstrates Congo’s “commitment to human dignity and international solidarity.” Under the terms of the deal, the United States will handle all logistical expenses, ensuring no financial burden falls on the Congolese government.
This partnership expands the Trump administration’s third-country deportation network to include at least eight African nations. Many of these countries have been significantly affected by recent U.S. policies that have limited trade relationships, foreign aid, and migration opportunities.
Recent findings from Democratic staff members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee reveal that the Trump administration has allocated approximately $40 million to deport roughly 300 migrants to nations other than their countries of origin.
Legal experts and advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the nature of these international agreements, particularly those involving African nations. Several participating countries, including Eswatini, South Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea, have documented histories of authoritarian governance and problematic human rights practices.
A significant point of controversy surrounding these deportation agreements involves migrants who have received protection orders from U.S. immigration courts, specifically prohibiting their return to their home countries due to serious safety risks.
Congolese officials emphasized that deportees will not be automatically transferred, stating: “Each situation will be subject to individual review in accordance with the laws of the Republic and national security requirements.”
