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 had been established, and facilities to accommodate arrivals have been selected in the capital, Kinshasa.
Logistical and technical support will be provided by the US, the statement on Sunday said, adding that the Congolese government would bear no financial cost for the scheme.
The government did not specify how many deportees they would accept. The US has previously sent deportees to several other African countries as part of its immigration crackdown.
Amid concerns regarding the treatment of migrants returning to their home countries, which could lead to persecution, Congolese officials clarified that no such transfers are planned.
This initiative to accept what are referred to as third-country migrants aligns with DRC's commitment to upholding human dignity and protecting migrant rights.
The Congolese authorities further emphasized that the agreement is not a permanent relocation scheme or an outsourcing of migration policies.
The US State Department has stated that while it does not comment on diplomatic communications, it remains committed to ending illegal immigration and reinforcing border security.
Since his election, President Trump has overseen a significant number of deportations to third countries as part of a stringent approach to immigration.
Human rights advocates have criticized these policies, raising questions about their legality.
DR Congo joins other nations such as Eswatini, Ghana, and South Sudan in this initiative to receive deportees from the US.
Last week, eight deportees from various African countries arrived in Uganda, showcasing the ongoing trend of third-country deportations.
According to a report by the US Senate's foreign relations committee, the Trump administration has likely spent over $40 million on such deportations since taking office.
The US has also negotiated additional agreements with DRC regarding access to its vast mineral resources.
Under the Trump administration, efforts to facilitate a peace agreement between DR Congo and Rwanda are ongoing, despite facing implementation challenges.
