DR Congo accepts first set of deportees from the US

April 18, 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo has received its first group of 15 deportees from the United States, reportedly South Americans including Colombians and Peruvians, despite none being Congolese nationals. The Congolese government has emphasized this arrangement is temporary, with the US funding all reception and support costs, and framed the decision as aligned with humanitarian principles and international solidarity. This deportation is part of the Trump administration's expanded immigration enforcement, which has sent dozens to various African nations at a cost exceeding $40 million.

Who is affected

Fifteen deportees from South America (mostly Colombians and Peruvians)
The Democratic Republic of Congo government and population
President Donald Trump's administration and the US State Department
Third-country migrants previously deported to Ghana, South Sudan, Eswatini, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, and Palau
The Congolese government and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels involved in eastern DR Congo conflict
Civilians in eastern DR Congo affected by the ongoing conflict

What action is being taken

The US is deporting people to third countries as part of immigration enforcement
The US is funding the reception, support, and care of deportees in DR Congo
The US is negotiating a minerals deal with DR Congo
The US and Qatar are mediating talks between the Congolese government and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Switzerland
Both sides in the conflict are allowing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians and infrastructure
Monitoring of a permanent ceasefire is beginning

Why it matters

This represents a significant shift in US deportation policy, where migrants are sent to third countries unconnected to their nationality, raising questions about humanitarian obligations and international migration norms. The arrangement demonstrates how immigration enforcement has become intertwined with broader geopolitical interests, as the deportation agreement coincides with US pursuit of access to DR Congo's valuable mineral reserves and American mediation of regional conflicts. The policy has already cost over $40 million and affects vulnerable migrants who face relocation to countries with no connection to their origin, potentially setting precedent for future international migration management.

What's next

Implementation of the permanent ceasefire between DR Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels remains pending
Continued negotiations on the minerals deal between the US and DR Congo are expected
Additional deportees may arrive in DR Congo as part of the ongoing arrangement

Read full article from source: BBC