Central African Republic Set to Receive US Deportees Under Planned Transfer Deal

June 12, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

The Central African Republic, a country of about 5.5 million people that has faced repeated cycles of unrest since independence from France in 1960 and where most residents live in poverty, is expected to receive migrants under a US deportation arrangement reported by Reuters.

Under the developing plan, US authorities are preparing an initial transfer of about 20 people that could include Iranians, Syrians and Afghans, according to an official briefed on the matter and two lawyers familiar with the discussions. The first flight could depart as early as Thursday, and those removed are expected to be placed in apartments in Bangui rather than immediately sent elsewhere, the official said.

Among those affected are two Iranian women detained after arriving in the United States in November 2024. Their lawyer, Emily Trostle, said both had applied for asylum and were later granted withholding of removal by a US immigration judge after findings that they face more than a 50 percent risk of persecution or torture if returned to Iran. She added that one is a Christian convert and the other is a pro-democracy activist.

Humanitarian involvement is expected from the International Organization for Migration, which said it would provide post-arrival assistance in Bangui at the request of the Central African government. The agency said it is not involved in the removals and stressed its support would be offered “on a strictly voluntary basis and respecting applicable international standards.”

The arrangement could expand significantly beyond the initial group, potentially involving hundreds of migrants over time.

The United States has allocated 85 million US dollars this year to the International Organization for Migration for operations in the Central African Republic.