The Democratic Republic of Congo has agreed to accept migrants deported from the US who are not themselves Congolese under a deal effective from this month, officials said.
The Ministry of Communication stated that a temporary reception system has been set up, while facilities to accommodate arrivals have been selected in the capital, Kinshasa.
Logistical and technical support will be provided by the US, ensuring that the Congolese government bears no financial costs for the scheme.
The government did not specify the number of deportees they would accept. The US has already sent deportees to several African countries as part of its crackdown on immigration.
With concerns regarding the potential persecution of returned migrants, Congolese officials emphasized that no such transfers are currently planned.
The DRC's decision to accept these third-country migrants aligns with its commitment to human dignity and international solidarity to protect migrant rights, as stated in their announcement.
Officials also clarified that this arrangement does not serve as a permanent relocation mechanism or an outsourcing of migration policies.
While the US State Department refrained from commenting directly on the matter, they reiterated their commitment to controlling illegal immigration and enhancing border security.
The Trump administration has reportedly deported numerous individuals to third countries since its inception, a policy that has faced criticism from human rights advocates.
DR Congo is joining several other African nations in this agreement, continuing the trend of US deportations impacting the continent.
As the situation unfolds, the DRC will play a significant role in accommodating those affected by US immigration enforcement.
