The Trump administration pressed leaders of Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon to accept migrants deported from the U.S. whose home countries refuse repatriation. The proposal, presented during a White House summit on July 9, aims to establish "safe third country agreements" allowing the transfer of migrants to these African nations while their U.S. asylum claims are processed. Liberia is reportedly "preparing to accommodate" migrants in Monrovia, though no country has formally agreed. The plan follows the recent transfer of eight migrants to South Sudan after failed legal challenges.
President Trump framed the summit as a pivot "from aid to trade," emphasizing U.S. investment in African mineral resources (manganese, lithium, cobalt) and criticizing Chinese influence. He exempted the five nations from upcoming August tariffs, contrasting with 30% duties imposed on South Africa. This shift coincides with drastic aid reductions—including dissolving USAID, which the Lancet projects could cause 14 million additional deaths by 2030. Liberia’s health system, previously 48% U.S.-funded, faces severe strain.
Trump was flanked by immigration architect Stephen Miller, who advocates tripling daily deportations to 3,000. Miller’s influence is evident in ICE’s intensified raids and the push for third-country deportations, reflecting a broader strategy to circumvent legal barriers to removals. The State Department linked cooperation on migrants to strengthened trade ties, signaling leverage in negotiations.
Leaders courted U.S. investment with praise for Trump’s "peacemaking" (citing Rwanda-DRC negotiations) and Nobel Prize ambitions. Gabon’s president highlighted "strategic minerals," Senegal pitched a "tech city," and Mauritania promoted rare earth reserves, all seeking alternatives to severed aid. Notably, Mauritania lacks diplomatic ties with Israel, potentially complicating deals. Despite public warmth, no nation committed to the migration plan publicly.