Yasmany Moreno de Armas, a Cuban national deported by the United States to Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, has posted a series of videos on Facebook highlighting the troubling malaria outbreak affecting many migrants. He reports that at least one individual is on the verge of collapse without receiving timely medical attention.
In these videos, Moreno shows his fellow migrants in a weakened state and identifies one of them, Arístides, who appears severely ill. "Everyone is falling sick with malaria here," he warns in one of the clips.
One of the more distressing videos captures Arístides Fernández García waiting for medical care, barely able to stand.
Arístides attributes his condition to the food, stating, "I got sick here from the food, it's like I caught something strange, perhaps due to the poor handling of food," as heard in the recording.
Moreno, clearly distressed, describes the severity of the situation, emphasizing, "He needs medicine, he's dying, look at his condition. And yet, he's strong, but still, he's dying."
Health Crisis in a High-Risk Malaria Zone
The health crisis is worsening in a country known for a high malaria risk throughout the year. In 2023, the Central African Republic reported nearly two million cases and over 2,000 deaths from this disease, according to international health organizations.
Deported migrants, lacking prior immunity to tropical diseases and with limited access to medications, are particularly at risk.
Unfulfilled Promises and Legal Challenges
Besides the health crisis, Moreno expressed frustration over a meeting with UN representatives that never took place. "Today they called off the meeting with the UN people at the last minute. We were left waiting for about three hours with everything prepared, but they never showed up," he recounted in another video.
Moreno concluded his videos with a direct appeal to his followers: "Thank you and keep sharing these videos to show what continues to happen here every day in Bangui, Central African Republic."
Moreno was deported to Bangui on August 1, 2026, handcuffed and shackled after spending nearly a year under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida.
According to his account, he only learned that his destination was Africa when the plane neared Bangui, about five hours into the flight. He suffers from diabetes and asthma and has reported challenges in obtaining his medication.
This transfer is part of a U.S. policy of deportations to third countries implemented in 2026. The United States reached an agreement with the Central African Republic, which included $85 million for the International Organization for Migration operations in that region. In total, at least 92 individuals were sent to the CAR on three flights between June and August 2026.
The deportees are currently housed in Bangui without passports or immigration documents, facing movement restrictions and no clear legal resolution.
The UN mission in the CAR, MINUSCA, provides them with food but has not resolved their legal status.
A federal judge in Massachusetts ruled this policy of deportations to third countries illegal due to the lack of prior notification to those affected, although the ruling has been suspended pending ongoing litigation.
The plight of Cubans deported to third countries forms part of a constantly evolving migration landscape. Stay updated on all developments in our U.S. Immigration section.
Key Questions on Cuban Deportations and Health Risks
What is causing the health crisis among migrants in Bangui?
The health crisis is primarily due to a malaria outbreak in a high-risk region, compounded by poor food quality and handling.
Why were Cuban migrants deported to the Central African Republic?
The deportation is part of a U.S. policy to send migrants to third countries, as per an agreement with the Central African Republic.
What are the legal challenges faced by deported migrants?
Migrants face legal challenges due to the lack of prior notification of deportation, which has been deemed illegal by a federal judge.