The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached an agreement with Donald Trump’s administration to join its Third Country Program, which will allow them to receive migrants deported from the US.
Congo’s communications ministry said in a statement that deportees would begin arriving this month.
He did not provide any information on how many deportees would be sent to the DRC.
This is the latest such deal that the US has signed with at least seven other African countries such as Eswatini, South Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.
Third country deals have been criticized by human rights groups, as many participating countries have notoriously repressive governments and poor human rights records.
The agreement with the DRC comes as the Trump administration seeks to implement a peace accord in the conflict between the country and Rwanda. Washington is also looking for a deal to secure US access to Congo’s vital minerals.
Congo says agreement is ‘temporary’
Third country removals involve immigrants with protection orders from a US immigration judge who cannot be returned to their home countries due to major security concerns.
The Congolese government said it made no plans for the automatic transfer of deportees.
“Each situation will be subject to individual review in accordance with the laws of the Republic and national security requirements,” the statement said.
The Congolese government said the agreement was “temporary” and that the US would pay all expenses for the migrants’ arrival, with no expenses incurred by the Congolese government. The statement also said facilities near the capital Kinshasa have been prepared to accommodate the deportees.
The Congolese government said the agreement reflected the country’s “commitment to human dignity and international solidarity”.
Edited by: Rana Taha