United States is preparing to deport dozens of migrants to the Democratic Republic of the Congo this week under a new arrangement that highlights Washington’s growing practice of using third countries in Africa to handle migrant removals.
Between 37 and 45 individuals are expected to arrive in Kinshasa by Friday, according to sources cited by Reuters, with the group numbering more than 30 deportees in total.
None of those being transferred hold Congolese citizenship. They are believed to originate mainly from Central and South America, including countries such as Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Guatemala.
This development would represent the first time Congo is participating in a U.S. third-country deportation scheme, where migrants are sent to nations other than their countries of origin.
Reports indicate that the deportees will be temporarily accommodated in a hotel close to Kinshasa’s main airport for roughly 10 to 15 days.
During their stay, they are expected to be placed in individual rooms with basic amenities, while security will be jointly managed by Congolese police and private security firms. The hotel is expected to continue operating for other guests as well.
What happens after this temporary arrangement remains uncertain, raising concerns among human rights organisations and legal experts about the legality and long-term consequences of relocating migrants to countries with no established ties to them.
The United States has previously explored similar agreements with African nations including Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Eswatini.
Critics argue that such policies could weaken protections for migrants, especially those who have obtained court rulings blocking deportation to their countries of origin.
The move comes amid strengthening diplomatic engagement between Washington and Kinshasa.
The U.S. has been involved in efforts to ease tensions between Congo and Rwanda, where clashes linked to the M23 rebel movement have resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement in eastern Congo.
At the same time, Washington is pursuing greater access to Congo’s vast reserves of critical minerals, including cobalt and copper, which are essential to global clean energy supply chains.
Against this backdrop, the migration agreement underscores the growing overlap between security, economic interests, and immigration policy in U.S.–Africa relations.
Kinshasa has previously stated that it will not cover the financial costs of hosting deportees, though the full details of the arrangement have not been disclosed publicly.
The International Organization for Migration is expected to provide limited humanitarian assistance after arrival if requested by Congolese authorities, although it has confirmed it is not involved in the deportation process itself.