| English
AFRICA
1 min read
Burundi becomes latest African country to agree to accept deportees from US
Burundi will only accept those not accused of crime or terrorism links, said the president's spokesperson.
Burundi becomes latest African country to agree to accept deportees from US
President Evariste Ndayishimiye's spokesperson said preparations were underway to receive the deportees.

Burundi has agreed to join a clutch of other African nations in receiving migrants from other countries deported from the US under President Donald Trump's immigration policy.

However, Bujumbura will only accept those not accused of crime or terrorism links, said Nancy Ninette Mutoni, spokesperson for President Evariste Ndayishimiye.

Tuesday's announcement gave no details of numbers, timing, or financial details.

Washington has sent so-called third-country deportees to some half a dozen African nations under opaque deals that Senate Democrats say have cost tens of millions ​of dollars.

Mutoni said preparations were underway to arrange accommodation, living conditions and integration into local communities.

RELATEDTRT Afrika - From colonial routes to deportation routes: Africa and the politics of US deportations

"Receiving them requires serious planning — where they will stay, what they will eat and how they will live alongside the local population," she said.

"If they choose to join Burundian citizens and make a valuable contribution to national development, the law will be respected," she said, regarding potential citizenship.

Burundi aimed to both strengthen diplomatic relations and provide hospitality to people in need, the spokesperson added.

A spokesperson for the Burundi foreign ministry said details of the agreement were not yet available.

SOURCE:Reuters