US DEPORTATIONS TO AFRICAN NATIONS DRAW LEGAL AND LEGAL AND RIGHTS CONCERNS
Ghana, Rwanda, South Sudan and Eswatini have accepted non-citizen deportees under U.S. deals as critics warn of rights violations.
The United States has begun deporting migrants to African countries where they are not citizens, a controversial practice that is drawing criticism from legal experts and human rights groups.
Ghana is the latest country to receive third-country deportees, including 13 Nigerians and a Gambian, though officials insist they were later repatriated to their homelands. Rights lawyers say some remain in detention in Ghana under unclear circumstances.
Other nations have also taken part. South Sudan received eight deportees in July, Eswatini has admitted individuals from Asia and the Middle East, and Rwanda has agreed to host up to 250 people under a deal with Washington. Uganda has acknowledged discussions with the U.S. but denies finalizing an agreement.
The legality of the policy is being questioned. U.S. courts and rights groups argue that deporting migrants to countries where they have no ties could violate due process and international protections for asylum-seekers. Reports from Ghana allege some migrants were transported without being told their destination and held in poor conditions upon arrival.
Analysts say some governments may accept such deals to strengthen ties with Washington, hoping to gain leverage in negotiations over aid, trade and visa policies.
The U.S. administration has defended the approach, saying the agreements are legal and necessary to manage migration and deportations when home countries refuse to accept their nationals.
By: Itoro Etukudo
Source: Aljazera
