Trump Administration Considers Sending Afghan Allies to Congo Amid Resettlement Crisis
Discussions are reportedly underway within the Trump administration to potentially relocate up to 1,100 Afghans who assisted United States forces during the war in Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This development follows President Donald Trump's decision to halt an initiative that previously allowed these individuals to apply for resettlement in the United States.
Stranded in Qatar After Evacuation
According to a report from the New York Times, this group of Afghans has been stranded in Qatar for approximately one year. They were evacuated to Qatar for their protection due to their support for US military efforts in Afghanistan, which has since returned to Taliban control following the US withdrawal. The cohort includes interpreters, relatives of US military members, and more than 400 children.
Shawn VanDiver, president of the non-profit organization AfghanEvac, confirmed to the Guardian that he had learned of these discussions from sources within and around the US State Department. VanDiver emphasized that 900 of the 1,100 Afghans in Qatar are eligible for resettlement in the US, while the remaining 200 are not. For those ineligible, the US is considering alternative countries, including the DRC, which is itself grappling with severe violence and instability.
Humanitarian and Logistical Challenges
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently experiencing a massive displacement crisis, with the UN Refugee Agency reporting 8.2 million people displaced as of September 2025, a number expected to rise to 9 million by the end of the year. This context raises significant humanitarian concerns about the feasibility and ethics of resettling vulnerable Afghans in such a volatile environment.
VanDiver argued that the situation could be easily resolved by a policy change, stating, "The others should just come here. This is an easy solve: 'Hey, welcome to America.'" He noted that between 100 and 150 of these Afghans are family members of active-duty service members, with over 700 being women and children. He asserted that the Department of Homeland Security has the authority to admit those who have already qualified for the program, as no law prevents their entry.
Uncertain Future and Official Response
There is a possibility that the discussions with the DRC may not lead to actual resettlement, leaving these Afghans in continued limbo. VanDiver warned that returning to Afghanistan would likely result in death for many due to their cooperation with US forces, highlighting the urgent need for a safe resolution.
In response to inquiries, a State Department spokesperson stated that they are actively identifying options for the voluntary resettlement of Afghans currently residing at Camp As-Sayliyah (CAS) in Qatar. The spokesperson described moving this group to a third country as a "positive resolution" for their safety and that of Americans, but clarified that "the Afghan nationals at CAS do not currently have a viable pathway to the United States." The department maintains routine communication with camp residents about resettlement initiatives but refrains from disclosing negotiation details due to sensitivity.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan allies in the aftermath of the US withdrawal, with their futures hanging in the balance as administrative decisions unfold.
