Trump may send Afghan allies to Congo

Key Points:

• The Trump administration is reportedly considering sending hundreds of Afghan refugees who aided U.S. forces to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after halting their U.S. resettlement, according to advocacy group AfghanEvac.
• The DRC, already facing a severe humanitarian crisis with over 600,000 refugees and ongoing conflict, is seen as an unsuitable location for the Afghans, many of whom have been approved for U.S. resettlement and include vulnerable individuals such as children and former Afghan special forces.
• Advocates accuse the administration of pressuring refugees to return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where they face risks of persecution, imprisonment, or death, by offering an untenable alternative in the DRC.
• The U.S. State Department confirmed ongoing efforts to find voluntary resettlement options for the refugees but declined to provide details, emphasizing safety for both refugees and Americans.
• Critics warn that the administration's restrictive policies on Afghan allies could damage U.S. national security by undermining future cooperation with local populations in conflict zones, while the refugees endure prolonged uncertainty and mental health challenges.