Opposition Questions U.S.

Kinshasa - April 26, 2026

Opposition leader Delly Sessanga has strongly criticized a reported agreement between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo allowing Kinshasa to receive migrants deported from U.S. territory, warning that the arrangement risks turning the country into what he described as a “dumping ground” for foreign migration policies.

The remarks come after reports of a bilateral understanding under which the DRC would temporarily host migrants expelled from the United States, including individuals from third countries, before their return to their countries of origin.

Sessanga accused the government of undermining national sovereignty and questioned the country’s capacity to manage individuals considered security-sensitive by U.S. authorities.

He argued that the DRC, already facing multiple internal security challenges, lacks the institutional and logistical capacity to effectively monitor and manage such cases. He cited national security institutions including the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the police, and intelligence services, questioning their readiness to handle additional security responsibilities.

The opposition figure also criticized the principle of transferring individuals deemed security risks by highly resourced U.S. agencies to a country with more limited capabilities.

He urged the government to reconsider what he described as a policy that could expose the country to additional instability, stating that solidarity should not come at the expense of sovereignty or national security.

The controversy follows reports that more than 1,100 Afghan nationals-formerly affiliated with U.S. forces during the Afghanistan war-have rejected proposals that could see them relocated to the DRC. The group, currently in transit facilities in Qatar, has expressed concern about security conditions and lack of ties to the country.