The Perils of Deportation: A Case Study on Edmon Ndim Loh and the Plight of Immigrants

The global landscape of immigration is fraught with political and ethical dilemmas, especially in the wake of heightened anti-immigrant sentiments propelled by figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump. As nations grapple with balancing national security and humanitarian responsibility, the stories of individuals like Edmon Ndim Loh, a Cameroonian who faces deportation from Belgium after nearly a decade, highlight the human cost of these policies.

Let us explore the implications of deportation, especially in the context of conflict zones, and argue for a more humane approach that considers the safety, security, and human rights of immigrants.

Edmon Ndim Loh arrived in Belgium as a student at the onset of the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon, a conflict that has rendered the country perilous for many of its citizens. The crisis, which erupted due to perceived marginalisation of English-speaking Cameroonians, has resulted in widespread violence and human rights violations with tens of thousands killed, and millions displaced internally. Hundreds of thousands are scattered around the world, seeking refuge and protection.

Njinikom, the hometown of Edmon, has become the epicentre of this separatist war, where government forces and Ambazonian separatists engage in brutal clashes, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that the United States has granted temporary protected status to Cameroonian nationals due to the threats they face from both the Cameroon government and separatist fighters (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2021).

Since December 2016, hundreds of thousands of those believed to be from Ambazonia where the war is raging have escaped into exile. Millions have left their homes and are living as Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in other parts of Cameroon. Hundreds of thousands of children of school going age have missed eight years of schooling. Edmon did not just want to move to another part of Cameroon where some of his schoolmates had been identified as Anglophones and arrested. Next door Nigeria was not an option as dozens of Ambazonian activists have been abducted from there and deported to Cameroon where they underwent a Kangaroo Military Tribunal. These victims were tried in French, a language they did not understand and sentenced to long terms in jail.

Despite these compelling grounds for protection, Edmon finds himself at risk of deportation. His predicament exemplifies the harsh realities many immigrants face when caught in the web of bureaucratic processes that disregard the human stories behind legal statuses.

The Belgian government’s threat to deport Edmon is controversial, especially given the complexities surrounding his situation. As a supporter of his family's welfare, his periodic remittances home have led Cameroon’s government to label him a supporter of terrorism and a sponsor of secession, accusations that not only endanger his life but also those of his family back home (International Crisis Group, 2020).

The tragic killing of Edmon’s two cousins by Ambazonian separatists on May 20th, 2024, amplifies his perilous position. Edmon stands at a crossroads, caught between the injustices of his homeland and the rigidity of Belgium's immigration policy. The dilemma he faces underscores a broader issue affecting countless immigrants: the challenge of being seen as a statistic rather than as individuals with unique and multifaceted experiences. Many European countries today, in part influenced by the United States’ hardline stance on immigration, are adopting similar policies that threaten the stability and safety of individuals like Edmon.

Opponents of immigration often argue that allowing individuals to remain in the West puts national security at risk, leading to increased crime and terrorism (Miller, 2019).

However, statistics from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights indicate that immigrants contribute positively to their host countries' economies. Furthermore, deportation often leads to severe consequences, including persecution, violence, and in some cases, death. A report from Human Rights Watch highlights the dire circumstances many face upon return to their home countries, especially in conflict zones (Human Rights Watch, 2021).

To comprehend the complexity of Edmon's situation, it is crucial to appreciate the context in which he finds himself. The ongoing conflict in Cameroon has displaced hundreds of thousands and created a dire humanitarian landscape. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 700,000 people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, fleeing violence and persecution (UNHCR, 2022). For those like Edmon who have sought asylum or migrated for education and security, the threat of deportation reflects a failure to recognise the dire realities faced within their home countries.

Edmon has gone through the Belgian higher education and vocational system. Given a chance to legally live and work, he will not be a burden to the Belgian taxpayer.

Moreover, the legislative frameworks in Belgium and broader Europe need to evolve to adequately respond to such complexities. The European Union has protocols in place to ensure that deportations are conducted with respect for human rights and in consideration of the receiving country’s conditions. However, many of these protections are inadequately implemented. As Edmon's case illustrates, the European Asylum System often falls short of offering the protection it theoretically promises. The fact remains that returning Edmon to Cameroon undermines not only Belgium's humanitarian commitments but also the essence of international law that seeks to protect individuals from persecution.

Additionally, Edmon's situation compels us to explore the social ramifications of deportation policies. When nations enforce strict immigration laws that prioritize fear over empathy, they contribute to a culture of alienation and distrust. Such policies affect not only immigrants directly but also the social fabric of the communities they integrate into. The backlash against immigrants can foster xenophobia and racial tensions, further complicating societal cohesiveness and progress.

Edmon's experience is a microcosm of the larger disarray caused by imprudent immigration policies. As countries across Europe threaten similar deportation measures, it raises alarm bells about the erosion of values that once defined European nations – compassion, tolerance, and respect for human rights. The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the right of individuals to seek asylum from persecution, a fundamental principle that must guide immigration policies worldwide.

Cameroon is on record to have weaponised Nigeria security services to abduct 10 Cameroon activists from Nera Hotel, Abuja in 2018. They were deported to Cameroon where they were put through a Kangaroo Court Martial and jailed for long sentences. If Edmon is deported by Belgium, he runs the risk of arrest and long detention in inhumane conditions.

Justice Adams, a prominent human rights lawyer, argues that moral responsibility necessitates providing sanctuary to those at risk. Adams, while reflecting on the larger implications of immigration reform states, "Governments must prioritise humanity over politics. The principles of asylum and refuge are rooted in the understanding that we are all part of a global community that must act to protect its vulnerable members" (Adams, 2021).

In conclusion, Edmon Ndim Loh's plight exemplifies the risks faced by many immigrants and the dire consequences of deportation in conflict-stricken regions. Deporting individuals like Edmon not only disregards their unique circumstances but also contravenes international human rights frameworks designed to offer protection. As nations confront the realities of migration, it is imperative to adopt policies that honour both legal obligations and ethical responsibilities. The stories of immigrants are not mere statistics; they are narratives of resilience and survival that deserve recognition and protection. A humane approach to immigration must advocate for the rights of individuals, ensuring that no person is returned to a situation where their life could be at risk. Such humanity should transcend borders, guiding us towards a more compassionate and just world.

*Christopher Fon Achobang is Social Justice Campaigner based in Kampala, where he was granted asylum.

Contact him via [email protected]
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