Eighty-three members of the US Congress have requested the suspension of plans to transfer Afghan refugees from the al-Siliya camp in Qatar to the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a joint letter from both Democratic and Republican members, it was emphasized that such a step should not be taken until all legal and technical details are fully clarified.
The letter also called for clarification of the status of approximately 1,100 Afghan nationals who have been waiting at the al-Siliya camp for over four years. It was noted that these individuals are part of the group awaiting resettlement in the United States.
Objections to the Transfer Plan
The idea of relocating Afghan refugees to third countries has been under discussion since last year. This agenda reportedly emerged following former President Donald Trump's suspension of humanitarian visa processes for Afghans and subsequent bans on their entry into the US.
The US State Department has not provided a clear timeline for when the refugees will be sent to Congo. Congress members are seeking to resolve this uncertainty.
Rubio Requests Two-Week Report
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week during a congressional session that Washington is in talks with countries willing to accept Afghans waiting at al-Siliya. Lawmakers have demanded that the technical details, legal aspects, and potential living conditions in Congo be reported by June 24.
The group at the center of the plan includes former US military and institutional employees from Afghanistan and their families. These individuals were evacuated to Qatar during the withdrawal process following the collapse of the previous Republican administration and the Taliban's return to power.
The letter highlights that uncertainty about the future of Afghan refugees is once again stirring debate in US politics. Representatives are awaiting clear answers regarding both the legal basis and humanitarian consequences of the transition process.
