US ‘third-country’ deportees deal sparks backlash in DRC

In April 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing backlash after agreeing to a deal with the United States to accept "third-country" deportees. The agreement means the DRC will receive individuals deported from the US who are not citizens of the DRC. The deportations are expected to add to the DRC's existing challenges. Critics of the deal argue that the DRC is already struggling with conflict and insecurity, making it difficult to accommodate additional arrivals. The agreement has sparked discontent among some who believe it will further strain the country's resources and stability.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has agreed to accept deportees from the US who are not Congolese citizens, effective this month. The Congolese government stated that the US will provide logistical and technical support, and DR Congo will bear no financial cost. This decision aligns with DR Congo's commitment to human dignity and international solidarity. The US has been deporting individuals to third countries as part of its immigration crackdown, a policy condemned by human rights campaigners. DR Congo joins other African nations like Eswatini, Ghana, and South Sudan in accepting US deportees. The US is also negotiating a minerals deal with DR Congo and facilitated a peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has agreed to receive "third-country" deportees from the United States, beginning this month. This "temporary" arrangement, paid for by the US, will see the DRC accepting individuals who are not Congolese nationals. The Congolese government stated the deal reflects its commitment to human dignity and international solidarity. This agreement occurs amid US efforts to broker peace between the DRC and Rwanda and secure access to Congolese minerals. Similar deals involving the US sending third-country deportees to African nations like Ghana and Uganda have faced criticism from legal experts and rights groups, who question the legal basis and treatment of deportees.