Guantanamo Bay Detainee Transfer Announced

The Department of Defense announced today the repatriation of Mohammed Abdul Malik Bajabu (ISN 10025) from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Kenya.

On Dec. 27, 2021, the Periodic Review Board (PRB) process determined that continued law of war detention of Mohammed Abdul Malik Bajabu (ISN 10025) was no longer necessary to protect against a continuing significant threat to the national security of the United States. The PRB recommended that Bajabu be transferred subject to appropriate security assurances.

On Nov. 14, 2024, Secretary of Defense Austin notified Congress of his intent to repatriate Bajabu to Kenya.

The United States appreciates the support to ongoing U.S. efforts toward a deliberate and thorough process focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility.

The PRB was established by the President's March 7, 2011, Executive Order 13567. It is consistent with section 1023 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2012 and affirmed in Executive Order 13823 (Jan. 30, 2018).

The PRB panel consists of one senior career official each from the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and State, along with the Joint Staff and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Today, 29 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay: 15 are eligible for transfer; 3 are eligible for a Periodic Review Board; 7 are involved in the military commissions process; and 4 detainees have been convicted and sentenced by military commissions.