The United States has approached 49 of Africa’s 54 countries as the Donald Trump administration seeks to expand a policy of sending deportees to countries other than their nations of origin. The development was disclosed in an investigation by Forbidden Stories, which found that nine African countries were still negotiating with Washington over the arrangements as of March 2026.
Sahara Reporters reported that the investigation, published under the title “The Office of Remigration: ‘America First’ and its overseas negotiations,” revealed that the US had reached deportation agreements with 35 countries worldwide since Trump returned to office in January 2025. By August 31, about 25,447 migrants had reportedly been transferred to 28 countries under the broader third-country deportation programme.
Several African countries have already entered into such arrangements. Cameroon finalised an agreement with the US in December 2025, with the first deportation flight arriving the following month, while at least 32 people had been transferred to Eswatini by July 2026. The investigation also identified financial assistance as a major feature of the negotiations, with more than $410 million reportedly earmarked for governments and humanitarian organisations involved in the programme.
The arrangements have, however, attracted concern from humanitarian organisations over the risks faced by migrants sent to unfamiliar countries. The development also comes amid legal challenges in the US, after a federal appeals court on September 18 restricted some third-country removals and required affected migrants to receive notice and an opportunity to challenge their proposed destination. Despite the legal scrutiny, negotiations with African and other governments are continuing.
