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Today in Africa — April 6, 2026: DR Congo Joins U.S. Deportation Program, 31 People Rescued After Nigeria Church Attack

OkayAfrica has scoured the Internet for today’s major news stories, so you don't have to. On April 6, coverage includes: DR Congo agreeing to take in U.S. deportees under a controversial third-country policy; Nigerian troops rescuing dozens of hostages after a deadly church attack in Kaduna; and more.

Lihle Z. Mtshali
Lihle Z. Mtshali Today in Africa & Newsletter Editor
U.S. Customs and Border Protection security agents guide deportees on board a plane.
In this handout from the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Customs and Border Protection security agents guide deportees onto a plane. DR Congo joins seven other African countries that have agreed to accept U.S. deportees.

Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

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DR Congo Joins U.S. Third-Country Deportation Program

A map of Africa with African country flags and numbers showing how many third-country deportees each country has received from the U.S.
The number of third-country deportees reportedly received by African countries from the U.S. since South Sudan became the first African country to take them in on July 4, 2025.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has agreed to accept migrants deported from the United States who are not Congolese, and to set up temporary reception facilities in Kinshasa as part of Washington’s expanding third-country deportation policy. Officials say the U.S. will provide logistical and technical support at no cost to DR Congo, and that deportees will not be sent back to their countries of origin, while stressing the deal is not permanent. The move comes as the U.S. ramps up deportations globally, drawing criticism from rights groups and adding to a growing list of African countries participating in the policy.

Key developments:

  • The U.S. has deported around 300 people to third countries globally as of April 2026, since beginning in February 2025, but the process was finalized in March 2025.

  • Washington has likely spent over $40 million on the program, including $32 million to five countries, according to a report from the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Foreign Relations.

  • Other African countries involved include Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Eswatini, Cameroon, and South Sudan. Equatorial Guinea is also named in U.S. Senate reports as receiving funding linked to third-country deportations.

  • DR Congo has not said how many deportees it will accept.

  • The deal comes as the U.S. pushes stricter immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.

Nigerian Army Rescues Hostages After Deadly Church Attack in Kaduna

Nigerian soldiers have rescued 31 civilians kidnapped during a church attack in Kaduna state, where gunmen targeted Easter worshippers and killed at least five people. The army said troops engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to flee and abandon the hostages, though residents said the gunmen had operated for some time before security forces responded. The attack highlights ongoing insecurity in northern Nigeria, where kidnappings and armed violence remain widespread.

Key developments:

  • Local church officials initially reported seven deaths.

  • Army says attackers suffered casualties while fleeing.

  • Troops were deployed to track down the gunmen after the attack.

  • Authorities are urging residents to share intelligence with security forces.

  • At least 26 people were killed in three separate Easter attacks in northern Nigeria, according to the military and local officials.

In Brief: More Stories Today

Cameroon Restores Vice Presidency as Succession Plan

Cameroon’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment to reinstate the vice president role, with the appointee set to assume power if President Paul Biya dies, resigns, or becomes incapacitated. Lawmakers passed the bill by a wide margin, framing it as a step toward stability, while critics say it strengthens executive control since the vice president will be appointed by the president and barred from contesting the next election. Biya, who has been in office since 1982, is the world’s oldest sitting president. 

Burkina Faso Rejects HRW Report Alleging Civilian Mass Killings

Burkina Faso’s government has dismissed a Human Rights Watch report alleging more than 1,800 civilians were killed in abuses since the military seized power in 2022, calling the findings false and aimed at discrediting its forces. The report links most of the killings to the military and allied militias, while also blaming jihadist groups, and urges an international investigation into alleged war crimes by all sides. Last week, Burkina Faso’s military leader Ibrahim Traoré said the country should “forget about democracy,” signaling no immediate return to elections as his government prioritizes security amid a long-running Islamist insurgency.

Somalia Set to Begin First Offshore Oil Drilling with Turkey

Somalia is preparing to launch its first offshore oil drilling campaign, with a Turkish state-owned drill ship set to arrive this week following successful seismic surveys. Officials say the move could unlock major oil reserves and support economic recovery, as Turkey deepens its role as a key partner in the country’s energy and development plans.

Zambia Declares Fuel Supply Emergency as Global Prices Surge

Zambia has declared a fuel supply emergency as disruptions linked to the Iran conflict drive shortages and rising prices, with residents reporting long searches for fuel and struggling businesses. The government has responded by suspending fuel import taxes for three months, as experts warn that the crisis reflects broader energy insecurity affecting much of Africa.

somalia news cameroon news democratic republic of congo dr congo home latest third country deportation news nigeria news paul biya zambia news burkina faso news

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