US Offers Afghans Choice: DR Congo or Return to Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan

The United States is considering offering former Afghan allies stranded in Qatar the choice between relocating to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo or returning to their Taliban-ruled homeland. This proposal comes from an activist who was briefed by President Donald Trump’s administration, which has made immigration a key policy focus.

The Trump administration set a March 31 deadline for closing a camp in Qatar where over 1,100 Afghans are staying at a former U.S. base. These individuals fear persecution by the Taliban for their previous work with U.S. forces before the withdrawal and collapse of the Western-backed government in Afghanistan in 2021.

Shawn VanDiver, who heads AfghanEvac, an organization aiding former allies, stated that he expects the Afghans to decline moving to DR Congo due to its ongoing refugee crisis following years of conflict, including hostilities linked to Rwanda. The State Department confirmed U.S. interest in “voluntary resettlement” from the as-Sayliyah camp but did not confirm DR Congo as a destination.

Senator Tim Kaine criticized the idea, stating that sending Afghan allies to DR Congo would be “insane.” He emphasized the obligation to uphold promises made to these individuals and noted that breaking such commitments could complicate future partnerships needed for U.S. national security.

Over 190,000 Afghans have been resettled in the United States since the Taliban’s return to power, with most living peacefully. The program was initiated by former President Joe Biden but initially supported by many Republicans who backed the Afghan war at its outset. Trump has dismantled the broader U.S. refugee resettlement program and halted processing for Afghans following an incident where an Afghan suffering from PTSD shot two National Guard troops in Washington, one fatally.