DR Congo to Receive Non-Congolese Migrants Deported from US

The Democratic Republic of Congo has agreed to receive migrants deported from the United States, even if they are not Congolese citizens.

According to the government, the agreement started this month. Officials said a temporary system has already been set up to receive the migrants, with selected facilities in the capital, Kinshasa.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Communication confirmed that the United States will provide “logistical and technical support” for the process. The Congolese government also made it clear that it will not spend its own money on the program.

However, the government did not reveal how many deportees it plans to accept.

This move is part of a wider immigration crackdown by the United States. The US has already been sending deported migrants to several African countries.

There have been concerns that some migrants could later be sent back to their home countries, where they may face danger or persecution. But Congolese officials have assured that no such plans are in place.

The government explained that accepting these migrants—known as third-country nationals—shows its commitment to human rights, international cooperation, and protecting migrants.

At the same time, officials stressed that this arrangement is not permanent and should not be seen as a long-term migration solution.

So far, US authorities have not officially commented on the deal. Media reports indicate that requests were sent to the US Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, but no response has been given.

Since taking office, Donald Trump has pushed for strict immigration policies. His administration has already deported dozens of migrants to third countries.

Human rights groups have criticized the policy, with some questioning whether it is legal.

DR Congo is now joining other countries such as Eswatini, Ghana, and South Sudan in receiving deported migrants from the US.

Recently, eight migrants from different African nations were also sent to Uganda.

A report from the US Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee suggests that the US may have spent over $40 million on deporting migrants to third countries by January 2026. However, the exact total cost is still unclear.

The report also states that more than $32 million has been directly given to countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini, and Palau.

Meanwhile, the US is also in talks with DR Congo over a minerals deal. The agreement aims to give the US access to important resources like cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum, which are found in large amounts in the country.

In addition, the US has helped push for a peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda, although putting the agreement into action is still facing challenges.