US Secretly Deports Migrants to Cameroon Under Controversial Third-Country Program
Washington, D.C., USA / Yaoundé, Cameroon — The United States has reportedly secretly deported migrants to Cameroon, sparking concern among human rights organizations and legal advocates. According to multiple reports, several individuals were sent to Cameroon despite not being Cameroonian citizens and, in some cases, having U.S. court protections against deportation.
The initial flights reportedly took place in January 2026, with at least nine migrants flown to Cameroon under the so-called third-country deportation programme. A second group of migrants was also reportedly deported on a subsequent flight to Yaoundé, the capital. Lawyers representing the deportees claim that the individuals were unaware of their final destination until the flights departed, raising questions about due process and transparency.
Third-Country Deportation Policy
These deportations are part of a growing U.S. policy of third-country removals, where individuals are sent to nations other than their country of origin with the cooperation of local governments. Cameroon is the latest African country reportedly involved in these arrangements, joining other nations that have received deportees under similar programs.
Critics argue that sending migrants to a country where they have no prior ties or legal protection may violate international human rights obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to a country where they could face danger or persecution. Advocates are calling for greater transparency and judicial oversight to ensure that deportees’ rights are not infringed.
Reactions and Implications
Human rights organizations have condemned the secretive nature of the deportations, emphasizing the risk posed to migrants upon arrival. Legal experts highlight that some deportees had pending court orders preventing their removal to home countries, making the U.S. actions particularly controversial.
Neither the U.S. Department of Homeland Security nor the Cameroonian government has publicly confirmed the specifics of the flights, leaving many questions unanswered about the agreements and protections for those deported.
The incident has reignited debates about U.S. immigration enforcement and the balance between border control and human rights obligations. Observers note that these operations may set a precedent for future deportation practices if left unchecked.
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