The Democratic Republic of Congo is in discussions with the United States over a potential agreement to receive deportees from third countries, according to government, U.N., and diplomatic sources.
The talks reflect Washington’s increasing reliance on third-country deportations to accelerate the removal of migrants who entered or remain in the United States without authorization. Such arrangements are typically negotiated quietly, with limited public disclosure of their terms.
Discussions with Kinshasa are taking place alongside broader U.S. efforts to support a peace deal between Congo and Rwanda, as well as negotiations aimed at securing access to Congolese critical minerals.
The United States has already transferred deportees to several African countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Eswatini. These agreements have drawn criticism from legal experts and human rights groups, who question both the legal basis for such transfers and the treatment of deportees sent to countries where they hold no nationality.
Some migrants have reportedly been deported despite receiving court-ordered protections in the United States intended to prevent their removal.
Sources said talks with Congo remain ongoing, with no final agreement reached. Key details—including the number of migrants involved, their nationalities, and the timeline for any deportation flights—have yet to be determined.
It is also unclear what, if any, incentives Congo might receive in exchange for accepting deportees.
A source familiar with the discussions at the International Organization for Migration said the plan could include migrants from South America, including Venezuelans.
The U.S. State Department declined to comment on the details of diplomatic discussions, while Congo’s presidency has not yet responded to requests for comment.