Kinshasa underscores sovereignty as migration deal ties into broader cooperation

DR Congo to Receive U.S. Deportees Under Temporary Agreement

The Democratic Republic of the Congo will begin receiving third-country nationals deported from the United States starting in April, under a temporary arrangement jointly managed by both governments.

Authorities say the mechanism applies to migrants processed under U.S. procedures and will follow agreed terms between Kinshasa and Washington. Officials stressed that the initiative is neither a permanent relocation program nor an outsourcing of U.S. migration policy.

Each case will be assessed individually in line with national laws and security requirements, with the government emphasizing its full control over decisions related to admission, residency, or removal. The process, officials say, respects national sovereignty and aligns with international obligations on migrant protection.

Reception facilities have been prepared in Kinshasa, where administrative, security, and humanitarian support systems will be implemented. All operational costs will be covered by the United States, ensuring no financial burden on the Congolese state.

The agreement is also seen as part of broader bilateral cooperation, including a $1.2 billion U.S.-supported health initiative, strategic engagement in the mining sector, and ongoing efforts to support peace in eastern DR Congo.

Source: Newstimehub

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