Thirty-six African migrants expelled from the United States to Cameroon in 2026 have filed a lawsuit in Yaoundé at the end of July. The plaintiffs, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Angola, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Morocco, had previously received legal protections in the U.S. preventing their deportation to their respective countries.

Through their legal action, they seek protection under Cameroonian law and the suspension of the bilateral migration agreement with Washington. According to their lawyer, Master Joseph Fru Awah, the lawsuit also aims to prevent their potential repatriation to their countries of origin.

Interview highlights with Master Joseph Fru Awah

Joseph Fru Awah: As with any legal action before the courts, we hope to secure what we have requested. We are asking the court to suspend the exchange of notes between Cameroon and the United States. We also demand that Cameroon clarify the legal status of these individuals. Most importantly, we urge the court to prevent Cameroon from deporting these people.

What are the prospects of success for this lawsuit, given the significant financial incentives the U.S.-Cameroon migration agreement offers?

Joseph Fru Awah: I cannot comment on financial matters—I am not authorized to speak about agreements between sovereign nations. My role as a lawyer is to focus on their legality. While Cameroon and the United States are free to enter such agreements, they must comply with national and international law. That is precisely what we are demanding.

As legal representatives, our primary concern is whether this agreement adheres to the rule of law. We argue that it does not, based on both international and national legislation. Therefore, we are asking the court to intervene as an arbitrator: suspend the agreement, compel Cameroon to clarify the legal status of these migrants, and prevent their deportation.

How would you describe the living conditions of these migrants expelled to Cameroon?

Joseph Fru Awah: The psychological trauma among these individuals is profound. To illustrate, some have been hospitalized five times in the past six months—a stark indication of their dire situation. This is precisely why we initiated legal proceedings.