Introduction
In early 2025, nearly 300 asylum seekers, including Cameroonians fleeing violence and persecution, were deported from the United States to Panama under a U.S.-Panama migration agreement. Many now find themselves stranded in Panama, unable to return home and uncertain about their future. 
The U.S.-Panama Migration Agreement
The U.S. government has provided $14 million to Panama to fund the deportation of migrants without legal status, resulting in nearly 2,000 being returned to their countries. This initiative is part of a broader strategy where Panama and Costa Rica serve as temporary holding locations for migrants awaiting repatriation. 
Cameroonian Asylum Seekers in Limbo
Among the deported are Cameroonian nationals who fled conflict and persecution in their home country. One such individual, Endam, a hairstylist from Cameroon, fled after being accused of supporting a separatist group and enduring imprisonment and torture. She sought asylum in the U.S. but was deported to Panama without a chance to file an asylum claim. 
Challenges Faced in Panama
Upon arrival in Panama, many asylum seekers were confined in hotels or remote camps with limited access to legal counsel and basic necessities. Some were later released and given temporary permits to stay in the country, but without support or clear pathways to resettlement, they remain in a state of uncertainty. 
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the lack of due process and the conditions faced by deported asylum seekers in Panama. The use of third countries as holding areas for migrants has been criticized for potentially violating international asylum laws and placing vulnerable individuals at risk. 
Implications for Cameroonian Youth
The situation underscores the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of understanding the risks involved. Cameroonian youth considering migration should be informed about the challenges and seek legal and safe avenues for relocation.
Conclusion
The plight of Cameroonian asylum seekers stranded in Panama highlights the complexities of international migration policies and the human cost of such agreements. There is an urgent need for comprehensive solutions that respect human rights and provide clear pathways for asylum seekers.
Call to Action
Cameroonian youth are encouraged to seek information and support from local organizations and to consider the potential dangers of irregular migration routes. Community leaders, educators, and policymakers must collaborate to create opportunities at home, reducing the allure of dangerous journeys abroad.