Fifteen South Americans Deported from US Arrive in Democratic Republic of Congo

US Deportees Arrive in Democratic Republic of Congo as Part of Agreement with Kinshasa

Fifteen individuals from South America have arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of an agreement between the US and DRC governments. The deportees landed in Kinshasa, the capital city, on Thursday night. According to a diplomatic source, the group includes seven women from Peru and Ecuador.

The Congolese government has confirmed the arrivals, but details are not available. A US lawyer representing one of the deportees stated that all individuals are from Latin America and have received legal protection from US courts, shielding them against being returned to their home countries.

In an earlier statement, the DRC Ministry of Communications announced its willingness to temporarily accept migrants deported from the US, with Washington covering the costs involved. Facilities have been prepared near Kinshasa to accommodate the deportees.

According to reports, more than 30 deportees are expected to arrive in the DRC this week, with additional groups of around 50 migrants anticipated every month. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has offered humanitarian assistance to the DRC, including assisted voluntary return options for migrants who request it.

Other countries in Africa, such as Ghana, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda, have also accepted migrants deported from the US. The US policy has been subject to criticism from rights groups regarding its legality and potential human rights implications.

Source: Al Jazeera