Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Horn post) — The United States has deported a group of African migrants, including Ethiopians, to Cameroon under a controversial third-country arrangement, according to lawyers and reports cited by AFP.
Nine migrants from Ethiopia, Ghana, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo were transferred from the U.S. and arrived in Cameroon in late April, as part of an agreement between Washington and Yaoundé to host deportees who cannot be returned directly to their countries of origin.
The move comes amid a broader tightening of immigration enforcement policies under former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has led to increased deportations, including of individuals unable to safely return home.
Third-Country Deportation Strategy
Under the arrangements, the U.S. has secured agreements with several African countries to temporarily host deported migrants. Cameroon is among those that have accepted such deals, alongside Rwanda, South Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to AFP, the latest group—six women and three men—joins at least 17 others previously deported to Cameroon since January. Immigration lawyer Alma David said this marks at least the third deportation flight to Cameroon this year.
Cameroonian lawyer Joseph Awah Fru confirmed that a third deportation flight from the U.S. arrived on Wednesday.
A report by The New York Times indicated Cameroon could receive up to $300 million from Washington under the agreement to host migrants from third countries.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
Many of those deported were reportedly protected from direct return to their home countries under U.S. court rulings due to security risks. However, under third-country arrangements, they may still face eventual repatriation from host countries.
At least four migrants previously deported to Cameroon were later returned to countries including Morocco, Angola, and Senegal. In one case, a U.S. court ruled that two Moroccan women faced credible security threats if returned, highlighting ongoing legal challenges surrounding the policy.
Lawyers told AFP that some deportees sent back to Morocco have gone into hiding due to safety concerns.
The remaining migrants are being held in a facility in Cameroon managed in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, where they may apply for asylum.
Growing Criticism
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have criticized the policy, arguing that such deportation agreements undermine international law and due process protections.
The U.S. has expanded similar arrangements in recent months. In April, eight African migrants were deported to Uganda under a comparable deal, while Rwanda accepted deportees in 2025.
Analysts say Washington increasingly views third countries as “safe” destinations for migrants who cannot be returned home, though critics warn the practice risks exposing vulnerable individuals to further harm.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
