BY MIRABEL ODETA
The government of Congo said on April 5 that it will begin receiving deportees from the United States who originate from other countries, with the arrangement set to start later this month. Officials described the move as part of a temporary agreement between Congo and the United States, though specific details about the terms, duration, and number of individuals expected have not been disclosed.
According to Congo’s Ministry of Communications, the United States will fully fund the program, meaning Congo will not bear any financial burden related to hosting the deportees. Authorities also confirmed that dedicated facilities have already been prepared in the capital, Kinshasa, where the individuals will be accommodated upon arrival.
The ministry emphasized that the decision reflects Congo’s stated commitment to human dignity and international cooperation. At the same time, it stressed that all individuals transferred under the arrangement will undergo a case-by-case review, particularly to address national security concerns and ensure compliance with domestic laws.
Officials further clarified that Congo will retain full authority over all aspects of the process within its borders. This includes decisions about whether to admit individuals, how long they may remain in the country, and under what conditions their temporary status could be revoked. The government also maintains control over any future actions regarding repatriation or removal, in line with Congolese legal frameworks.
In its statement, the ministry underscored that there is no automatic acceptance of deportees and that each case will be independently evaluated. The government reiterated that the arrangement is designed to respect national sovereignty while balancing international obligations and security requirements.
The agreement with Congo follows a broader effort by the United States to find third-country destinations for deportees whose home countries refuse to accept them. Similar transfers have taken place in several African nations, including Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Eswatini. In one instance in July 2025, U.S. authorities sent five individuals with criminal records—originally from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen—to Eswatini after their countries of origin declined to receive them.
Beyond Africa, the United States has also pursued agreements in other regions. Earlier this year, Costa Rica entered into an initial understanding to accept up to 25 third-country deportees per week. That arrangement allows Costa Rica to set its own conditions or reject transfers, reflecting a flexible and nonbinding framework. Comparable discussions or agreements have been reported with countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras, and Mexico, as Washington continues to expand its network of partner nations willing to host deportees either temporarily or permanently.
In parallel with these international efforts, U.S. authorities have introduced domestic measures aimed at encouraging voluntary departures. The Department of Homeland Security launched a mobile application designed to facilitate self-deportation for individuals residing in the country without legal status. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce enforcement pressures while offering incentives for voluntary compliance.
Former President Donald Trump has publicly supported such measures, urging undocumented immigrants to leave the United States on their own rather than face forced removal. He has promoted a policy offering a financial incentive of $2,600 for those who choose to depart voluntarily, framing it as a simpler and less punitive alternative to formal deportation proceedings.
As Congo prepares to implement its role in this evolving system, questions remain about how many individuals will ultimately be transferred, how long they will stay, and what long-term outcomes will look like for those involved. For now, officials maintain that the arrangement is limited in scope, carefully controlled, and aligned with both national interests and international responsibilities.