The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a deal with the administration of Donald Trump to join its third-country program, allowing it to receive migrant deportees from the US. The Congolese Ministry of Communications stated that deportees will begin arriving this month, but did not provide details on the exact number of individuals involved.

This agreement is the latest in a series of deals the US regime has struck with at least seven other African nations, including Eswatini, South Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea. Third-country deportation programs have drawn criticism from human rights groups, as several participating countries have notoriously repressive governments and poor human rights records, raising concerns about the safety and treatment of deportees.

The deal with the DRC comes as the Trump administration is allegedly seeking to implement a peace deal in the conflict between the country and Rwanda. Washington is also purportedly looking for an agreement to secure US access to Congolese critical minerals, highlighting the geopolitical and economic motivations behind the migration arrangement. Third-country removals typically involve migrants with protection orders from US immigration judges who cannot be returned to their home countries due to major safety concerns.

The Congolese government said no automatic transfer of deportees has been planned, with each case subject to individual review in accordance with national laws and security requirements. The agreement was described as “temporary,” with the US covering all expenses and the Congolese government incurring no costs. Facilities have been prepared near the capital Kinshasa to accommodate the deportees.

The Congolese government claimed the agreement reflects the country’s “commitment to human dignity and international solidarity,” but this statement has been met with skepticism given the critical stance of human rights organizations and the broader context of US foreign policy interests in the region.

Source: www.dw.com