DR Congo to accept US deportees for no cost
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will accept deportees from the United States under a new agreement. The US will cover all deportation costs. This deal is part of broader US efforts to secure critical minerals and address regional stability. Human rights groups are concerned about the treatment and legal basis for these transfers to third countries.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has agreed to take “third-country” nationals deported from the United States. This arrangement is temporary. It shows Congo’s stated commitment to human dignity and international solidarity.
The US will pay for all deportation costs. The Congolese government will not pay any money. This agreement comes as the US works to foster peace between the DRC and Rwanda. It also seeks to gain access to critical minerals in Congo.
The US has sent third-country deportees to other African nations before. These include Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Eswatini. This practice has drawn criticism from legal experts and rights groups. They question the legal basis and treatment of those sent to countries where they are not citizens.
Reports show the Trump administration spent at least GHS480 million (€40 million converted at a rate of 12 GHS to 1 Euro) to deport about 300 migrants to non-native countries. The US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants states these deportations have been systematic since February 2025. Individuals often have no choice in their destination. This raises concerns about due process and human rights, especially if the receiving country is not safe.
Source: StatsGH — Ghana's data-driven news platform