The Democratic Republic of Congo has accepted its first group of deported individuals from the United States, marking a new phase in Washington's intensified efforts to curb illegal and mass migration. Fifteen people, mostly Colombians and Peruvians, arrived in Kinshasa after being expelled from the US, with the Congolese government affirming that their stay is temporary and financially supported by Washington. This move is part of a broader deportation strategy that includes several African nations such as Ghana, South Sudan, and Eswatini.

The Congolese authorities emphasized that the program aims to respect human dignity and uphold migrant rights, clarifying it is not a permanent relocation scheme. The US Department of State reiterated its commitment to border security and ending illegal immigration, with the US having provided over $32 million to various countries involved in these deportation efforts. Meanwhile, the US is also negotiating economic and resource deals with DR Congo, including access to key mineral reserves, and facilitating peace efforts in the region, notably between Congolese government forces and Rwandan-backed rebels. Despite ongoing peace talks, the conflict in eastern DR Congo remains complex, with Rwanda denying support for rebel groups amid regional tensions.