TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a deal with the administration of Donald Trump to join its third-country program, which would allow it to receive migrant deportees from the U.S.
The Congolese Ministry of Communications said in a statement that deportees will begin arriving this month.
They did not provide any information on how many deportees would be flown to the DRC.
It is the latest such deal that the U.S. has struck with at least seven other African nations like Eswatini, South Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.
The third-country deals have drawn criticism from human rights groups, as several participating nations have notoriously repressive governments and poor human rights records.
The deal with the DRC comes as the Trump administration is looking to implement a peace deal in the conflict between the country and Rwanda. Washington is also looking for an agreement to secure U.S. access to Congolese critical minerals.
Congo says agreement is 'temporary'
Third-country removals tend to involve migrants with protection orders from a U.S. immigration judge who cannot be returned to their home countries due to major safety concerns.
The Congolese government said no automatic transfer of the deportees has been planned.
"Each situation will be subject to individual review in accordance with the laws of the Republic and national security requirements," the statement added.
The Congolese government said the agreement was "temporary" and that the U.S. would pay for all the expenses of the migrant arrivals, with no costs incurred by the Congolese government. The statement also said that facilities have been prepared near the capital Kinshasa to accommodate the deportees.
The Congolese government said the agreement reflected the country's "commitment to human dignity and international solidarity."
Read: How Unemployment Rates in the U.S. Vary Across the States
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
How Unemployment Rates in the U.S. Vary Across the States
8 jam lalu
The unemployment rate in the U.S. shows regional disparities, reflecting overall shifts in market conditions, participation, and business activity.
What Is Bab el-Mandeb Strait? Why Iran Threatens to Block the Route?
1 hari lalu
As tensions continue to rise in the U.S.-Israel and Iran conflict, Tehran has signaled a potential blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
US Firm Planet Labs Withholds Iran Conflict Satellite Images
1 hari lalu
Planet Labs, a satellite imaging company, has halted the distribution of satellite images of Iran and the Middle East during the ongoing war at the request of Trump.
Russian Envoy Says UK 'Directly Involved' in US Strikes on Iran
1 hari lalu
Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin said London is directly involved by allowing US aircraft to use its bases for strikes on Iran.
Iran Says US-Israeli Strikes Destroy Desalination Plant, Drug Facilities
7 hari lalu
In early March, the Iranian government said that U.S. and Israeli forces had targeted a desalination plant on the island.
Egypt to Trump: Only You Can Stop the War
7 hari lalu
President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi persuades United States President Donald Trump to end the war with Iran.
Northern Lights Visible in Northern U.S. Tonight: Where and How to See Them
7 hari lalu
The Northern Lights may be visible across the northern U.S. tonight. Find out where to look, when to watch, and how to get the best view.
Who's Winning Under Trump's Tariff Policy?
8 hari lalu
A year after Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, trade shifts reveal winners, losers, and who pays.
Cuba Seeks Vatican's Help to Ease U.S. Oil Embargo
10 hari lalu
Havana has petitioned the Vatican to mediate between Cuba and the United States amid the worsening energy crisis on the island.
US: Senate Ends Shutdown with ICE-Free DHS Funding Bill
10 hari lalu
U.S. Senate approved funding for TSA and most of Homeland Security-but not ICE-after a partial shutdown left 50,000 TSA agents working without pay.
