First Migrants Deported Under U.S.-Congo Agreement Arrive in Kinshasa

The first group of migrants deported from the United States under a bilateral agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo arrived in Kinshasa. The flight included 16 migrants from South America. A U.S.-based lawyer noted last-minute judicial interventions might have reduced the number of deportees.

The initial group of migrants deported from the United States under a new bilateral accord arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo early Friday, as reported by one of the migrants and airport sources. The deportees, totaling 16 from countries including Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, landed in Kinshasa.

A Colombian woman, part of the group, confirmed the arrival number, though an airport source noted a slight discrepancy, reporting 15 arrivals. The Congolese government has yet to comment on the situation, and a U.S.-based lawyer cited possible legal interventions in the U.S. reducing the number.

This deportation marks the first relocation of migrants to Congo, aligning with broader U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region and U.S. interests in Congo's mineral resources. While allowed a short-term stay, migrants faced warnings about Congo's security situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)