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

Their legal team, led by lawyer Joseph Fru Awah, aims to suspend Cameroon’s migration agreement with Washington and prevent their forced return to their countries of origin. The lawsuit argues that the agreement violates both national and international law.

Demanding justice: the migrants’ plea

Joseph Fru Awah: As with any legal action, we seek justice from the court. We urge the tribunal to suspend the exchange of notes between Cameroon and the U.S. Additionally, we demand clarity on the legal status of these individuals in Cameroon. Most critically, we request an injunction to prevent their deportation.

Challenging the agreement’s legality

Joseph Fru Awah: My focus is on legality, not financial interests. While sovereign nations may enter agreements, they must comply with national and international laws. That is what we are enforcing here. The court must ensure this agreement adheres to all legal procedures before proceeding.

Our lawsuit challenges the agreement’s validity. We argue it is illegal under both Cameroonian and international law. The court’s role is to arbitrate, suspend the agreement, clarify the migrants’ status, and prevent their removal.

Humanitarian crisis unfolds

Joseph Fru Awah: These individuals are deeply traumatized. In the six months since their arrival, some have required hospitalization five times. The situation is dire, which is why we initiated legal proceedings to address their urgent needs.