The Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to receive its first group of deportees from the United States this week. According to four sources who spoke to Reuters, more than 30 individuals are expected to arrive, marking the beginning of a new arrangement between the two countries. These deportees are not Congolese nationals. Instead, they come from various countries, including regions in Central and South America. One source estimated the number at 37, while another suggested it could be as high as 45.

This development follows an agreement announced on April 5 between Congo and the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal came shortly after reports emerged that both nations were in discussions regarding Congo accepting deportees from third countries. This will be the first instance of such deportees being sent to Congo under this agreement.

The move is linked to broader geopolitical efforts in the region. At the same time, the United States has been working to support a peace deal between Congo and Rwanda. This agreement aims to reduce violence in eastern Congo, where clashes involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have caused thousands of deaths and displaced many more. Alongside this, the U.S. recently secured a strategic partnership with Congo that allows preferential access to the country’s valuable mineral resources.

Despite the significance of the deal, several details remain unclear. The deportees are expected to arrive by Friday. Upon arrival, they will be housed in a hotel located near the main airport in Kinshasa. Three sources confirmed this arrangement, adding that the matter is sensitive and has already drawn criticism from human rights organisations and opposition leaders within Congo.

The United States has previously deported migrants to African nations such as Ghana, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea. These actions were criticised by legal experts and rights groups. Concerns have been raised about the legality of sending individuals to countries where they are not citizens. There have also been reports of deportees eventually being returned to their home countries, even after receiving court-ordered protection in the United States.

The Congolese government has not publicly commented on this specific development. A government spokesperson did not respond to requests for clarification. However, officials in Kinshasa have earlier stated that Congo will not bear any financial burden as part of this deportation agreement. On the U.S. side, a State Department spokesperson declined to provide details, stating that Washington had "no comment on the details of our diplomatic communications with other governments."

The immediate plan is to house the deportees in a hotel for a short period. One source mentioned that their stay will last between 10 to 15 days. What will happen after this period is still uncertain. The hotel will continue to operate normally for other guests during this time. According to a diplomat and a humanitarian source, the deportees will have the freedom to move around and will not be confined.

Each deportee is expected to be given a single room. They will receive two meals a day during their stay. Security at the location will be handled by Congo’s national police along with a private security firm. While these arrangements provide some clarity for the initial phase, there is no official information on long-term plans or how many deportees may eventually be sent to Congo under this agreement.

Support for the deportees will involve international assistance. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which is linked to the United Nations, is expected to help after their arrival. Two sources confirmed that IOM will provide humanitarian assistance if requested by Congolese authorities. The organisation has previously assisted deportees sent to countries like Eswatini and Cameroon.

In a statement, IOM clarified its role, saying it had no involvement in the deportation process itself. It emphasised that such actions are handled directly by the governments involved. The organisation added that it could offer "post-arrival humanitarian assistance" if asked to do so.

Further details from earlier reports suggest that some deportees could include migrants from South America, particularly Venezuelans. Reuters identified at least four individuals whose lawyers were informed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they would be deported to Congo. These individuals are from Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Guatemala.

A court document dated April 8 also sheds light on individual cases. A federal judge in California noted that a Peruvian migrant was among those planned for deportation to Congo. Although his asylum request had been denied, he had received protection against being sent back to Peru due to fears of persecution. This has added to concerns about the fairness and legality of such deportation decisions.

Overall, the plan to send third-country deportees to Congo represents a significant shift in U.S. migration policy. It also raises questions about human rights, legal protections, and the responsibilities of host countries. With limited information about long-term arrangements, the situation continues to invite attention and criticism from various groups around the world.