Congolese authorities have held high-level consultations with the U.S. ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over possible travel restrictions.
This follows the recent announcement by the U.S. government regarding potential travel restrictions targeting nationals from 36 countries, including the DRC.
The meeting, part of the two countries’ regular bilateral exchanges, brought together two key figures of the Congolese government: Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security, Decentraliastion and Customary Affairs, Shabani Lukoo Bihango J., and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. They met with U.S. ambassador Lucy Tamlyn for what was described in an official statement as “frank and constructive discussions.”
The restrictions under consideration by Washington reportedly stem from concerns over travel document security and migration control mechanisms. These possible measures have raised concerns about international mobility and the impact on exchanges with affected nations.
According to Kinshasa, the talks reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to strengthening cooperation on secure travel documents, migration management, and international mobility. This is part of a broader effort by the DRC to modernise its administrative systems.
The Congolese government reiterated its determination to ensure the integrity of travel documents and pledged to pursue close collaboration with U.S. counterparts. Kinshasa emphasised its willingness to address the technical and security-related concerns in good faith.
Congolese officials also stressed their commitment to international standards in document security, while underscoring the importance of safeguarding the free movement of people in the framework of established diplomatic ties.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular technical consultations in the coming weeks to clarify the details of the U.S. announcement and to mitigate any potential impact on bilateral relations.
ARD/te/sf/lb/as/APA