The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed an agreement with the Trump administration to join a US third-country program that will allow the DRC to accept migrant deportees from the United States, the Congolese Ministry of Communications said. Deportees are expected to begin arriving this month, though the ministry did not specify how many will be flown to the DRC.
The DRC is the latest country to make such a deal; the United States has reached similar arrangements with at least seven other African states, including Eswatini, South Sudan and Equatorial Guinea. Human rights organizations have criticized the third-country program, arguing that some participating countries have repressive governments and troubling human rights records.
Congolese officials said the agreement is temporary and that transfers will not be automatic. Each case will be reviewed individually in line with national law and security requirements. The government also said the United States will cover all costs associated with the arrivals and that facilities near Kinshasa have been prepared to receive deportees.
Observers note the timing of the deal comes as the Trump administration pursues a broader agenda that includes promoting a peace accord addressing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda and securing US access to critical minerals in the Congo. The DRC government described the arrangement as reflecting its commitment to human dignity and international solidarity.