DR Congo Joins US Third-Country Deportation Scheme, Receives Non-Nationals

DR Congo has joined the Trump administration's third-country migrant deportation programme.

Kinshasa emphasized the arrangement is temporary and no financial cost will be borne by the Congolese government.

Africanews

Each case will be reviewed individually and no automatic transfers will be permitted.

Human rights campaigners have condemned the policy, questioning its legality.

The agreement comes as DR Congo grapples with one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

The Trump administration played a behind-the-scenes role in brokering a deal between Congo and Rwanda to neutralize M23.

Al Jazeera

The immigrant deportation agreement emerged from a broader framework of cooperation including minerals access and a health pledge.

The Congolese statement framed the reception of deportees as part of the country's attachment to hospitality and responsibility.

Critics have pointed to the opacity surrounding the deals.

“DR Congo to 'temporarily' take in deported migrants under US deal ‘No financial burden will be borne by public treasury,’ Kinshasa says as Washington set to cover costs Mevlut Ozkan April 05, 2026•Update: April 05, 2026 ISTANBUL The Democratic Republic of Congo will provide “temporary reception” for deported migrants under a deal with the US, the government said on Sunday, adding that Washington will cover the costs and no permanent settlement is planned”

Anadolu Ajansı

Several African countries have already processed deportees.

It remains unclear what DR Congo would receive in exchange for the deportation agreement.

Amnesty International warned that sending people back violates fundamental principles of international law.