Former US Officials Urge Halt to Plan Relocating Afghan Refugees from Qatar to Congo

More than 600 former United States officials, military commanders, and organizations have signed an open letter urging the Trump administration to halt a proposed plan to relocate Afghan refugees from a camp in Qatar to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The campaign cites security concerns and emphasizes the refugees’ status as former allies of US forces.

The signatories include prominent former military leaders such as former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen and former International Security Assistance Force Commander Stanley McChrystal. According to the letter, the targeted group consists of approximately 1,100 individuals currently housed in Qatar’s Silaieh camp. The group reportedly includes around 400 children and more than 150 family members of active-duty US military personnel.

Advocates behind the letter argue that the relocation plan stems from recent shifts in US immigration and refugee entry policies, which have suspended visa processing for many Afghan allies. They warn that moving the refugees to Central Africa would place them in an unstable environment. While Afghanistan International identifies the intended destination as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Hasht-e Subh refers to the Republic of Congo.

The campaign highlights the prolonged uncertainty faced by the refugees, many of whom have been in transit or temporary housing for years. Organizers stress that the US government has a responsibility to honor its commitments to those who assisted American operations in Afghanistan. The letter calls for the immediate suspension of the transfer plan and the resumption of standard visa processing for eligible Afghan nationals.