The Democratic Republic of Congo has accepted its first group of deportees from the United States, marking a significant step in the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to curb illegal and mass immigration. Fifteen individuals, mainly from South America—particularly Colombia and Peru—arrived in Kinshasa, with the Congolese government emphasizing that their stay is temporary and funded by Washington. This move is part of a broader US strategy, which includes deporting migrants to several African nations such as Ghana, South Sudan, and Eswatini, as the US seeks to strengthen border security and manage migration pressures.
The Congolese authorities have highlighted that accepting third-country nationals aligns with their commitments to human dignity and migrant rights, and clarified that the scheme is not a permanent relocation or outsourcing of migration policies. The US State Department reiterated its focus on ending illegal immigration, with the US having provided over $32 million to nations involved in the deportation efforts. Concurrently, the US is engaged in negotiations with DR Congo over a minerals deal and supports ongoing peace talks between the Congolese government and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, aimed at stabilizing the region and promoting humanitarian assistance.