The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached an agreement with the administration of Donald Trump to join a US third-country program that will allow the DRC to receive migrant deportees from the United States, the Congolese Ministry of Communications said. Deportees are expected to begin arriving this month, though the ministry did not say how many will be flown to the DRC.
This is the latest such deal the US has struck with at least seven other African countries, including Eswatini, South Sudan and Equatorial Guinea. Human rights groups have criticized the third-country arrangements, noting that several participating states have repressive governments and poor human rights records.
The deal with the DRC comes as the Trump administration seeks to advance a peace agreement related to tensions between the DRC and Rwanda and to secure US access to Congolese critical minerals.
Congo described the agreement as “temporary” and said there will be no automatic transfers. Each case will be reviewed individually in line with national law and security requirements. The government said the US will cover all costs associated with the arrivals and that facilities near Kinshasa have been prepared to accommodate deportees. The statement said the agreement reflects the country’s “commitment to human dignity and international solidarity.”
Edited by: Rana Taha