The Burundi US deportation deal applies to people who are not Burundian citizens. However, Burundian officials said the arrangement will only cover people without criminal records or links to terrorist organisations.
Details about the number of deportees, the timeline and any financial terms have not been announced.
Business Insider Africa reported that Burundi is the latest African country to enter a third-country deportation arrangement with Washington.
Burundi US deportation deal takes shape
Burundi confirmed the general agreement but provided few details about how it will operate.
Nancy Ninette Mutoni, spokesperson for President Évariste Ndayishimiye, said the agreement aims to strengthen diplomatic relations while providing assistance to people in need.
However, she stressed that Burundi would only accept individuals who meet the conditions set under the agreement.
The US State Department had not immediately commented on the arrangement, according to the report.
Burundi prepares for arrivals
Burundian authorities are now preparing for the possible arrival of deportees.
Mutoni told Reuters that receiving people would require careful planning.
Authorities will need to consider accommodation, food and how new arrivals will live alongside local communities.
The exact number of people who could be sent to Burundi remains unclear.
No timetable for the first arrivals has been announced.
Citizenship could eventually be possible
Burundian officials also addressed what could happen to deportees who remain in the country.
Mutoni said people who successfully integrate and contribute to Burundi could eventually become eligible for citizenship under Burundian law.
She said the country’s existing laws would apply to anyone seeking to become a citizen.
Meanwhile, similar US agreements with third countries have faced criticism.
Business Insider Africa reported that some US lawmakers and human rights groups have raised concerns about legal protections for migrants transferred to countries other than their own.
The Burundi US deportation deal adds the East African country to a growing number of African states involved in Washington’s third-country deportation policy. ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.