Thirty-six African migrants expelled from the United States to Cameroon in 2026 have filed a lawsuit in Yaoundé. The plaintiffs, hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Angola, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Morocco, previously held protected legal status in the U.S. preventing their deportation to their home countries.

Their legal action seeks Cameroonian judicial protection and the suspension of the bilateral migration agreement with Washington. According to their legal representative, Joseph Fru Awah, the lawsuit also aims to block any potential deportation to their countries of origin.

Inside the legal strategy: an interview with Maître Joseph Fru Awah

Joseph Fru Awah: Every legal action we take in court carries the hope of securing the relief we’ve requested. We are specifically asking the court to suspend the exchange of diplomatic notes between Cameroon and the United States. Additionally, we demand that Cameroon clarify the legal status of these individuals. Lastly, we seek an injunction to prevent Cameroon from deporting them.

Addressing concerns about the migration deal: a legal perspective

Joseph Fru Awah: I cannot comment on the financial implications of this agreement. As a lawyer, my focus is solely on its legality. While Cameroon and the United States have the sovereign right to enter into agreements, these must comply with both national and international law. That is precisely what we are challenging in court.

My role is to question whether this agreement adheres to legal standards. Since we argue that it violates international and domestic law, we have petitioned the court to intervene by suspending the agreement, demanding clarity on the plaintiffs’ legal status, and preventing their deportation.

Living conditions of deported migrants in Cameroon: a humanitarian crisis

Joseph Fru Awah: These individuals are suffering severe psychological trauma. To illustrate, after six months in Cameroon, some have required hospitalization five times—a distressing pattern. Their situation is dire, prompting our urgent legal intervention.