After several days of uncertainty, the migration agreement concluded in early April 2026 between Washington and Kinshasa has entered its operational phase. During the night of April 16 to 17, fifteen migrants were transferred to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This initial group marks the beginning of an ongoing process, with monthly arrivals potentially reaching up to fifty individuals.
Upon their arrival at Ndjili Airport, seven women and eight men were taken in. According to a source close to the presidency, these migrants are from Peru and Ecuador, integrated into a transfer mechanism orchestrated by the United States.
To manage this influx, authorities have reached out to the International Organization for Migration.
“The DRC government has requested OIM to provide humanitarian assistance to the 15 migrants repatriated by the United States to the DRC,” the agency stated, adding that they could offer “assisted voluntary return to migrants who request it.”
In a statement from the Congolese Ministry of Communication and Media, it was explained that the reception program for these migrants established by the government is “strictly temporary, transient, and time-limited. It does not constitute a mechanism for permanent settlement in the national territory, nor a permanent relocation,” continued the statement.
In various cities in the United States, the harsh methods used to detain irregular migrants are criticized by the population.
Facing the controversy sparked by this agreement, the Congolese Ministry of Communication announced in early April the implementation of a “temporary reception program for third-country nationals under US migration mechanisms.”
Kinshasa remains discreet about the details of the agreement, while ensuring that “the logistical and technical handling of the program will be provided by the US government” and that “no financial burden will be borne by the public treasury.”
Context – The migration agreement between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo is operational, starting with the repatriation of fifteen migrants. – There are concerns about the transparency and potential violations of international law in these expulsions. – The agreement is linked to strategic interests, particularly regarding access to Congolese mineral resources.
Fact Check – The mentioned organization in the article is Human Rights Watch, not an ONG as written in the French text (it stands for “non-governmental organization”). – The statement by the Congolese Ministry of Communication emphasizes that the reception program for migrants is temporary and not a permanent settlement solution.
