Cuban Deportee Denounces Abuses in Central African Republic

What Happened

Yasmany Moreno, a Cuban national deported from the United States to the Central African Republic, has spoken out about severe hardships he is enduring. After two months in a detention center in Bangui, he claims to have been kidnapped twice and struggles to obtain adequate food and medicine.

Moreno, aged 32, shared his harrowing experience with N+ Univision, detailing the critical situation for himself and other migrants deported to this African nation.

Where and When

The events are unfolding at a detention center in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. Moreno has been held there for approximately two months as of October 1, 2026. He estimates that the various detention facilities house between 80 and 90 individuals, highlighting the concentration of deported migrants.

The environment is described as challenging, with detainees receiving only one meal per day, relying on external financial aid for additional sustenance.

Why It Matters

Moreno's plight underscores the critical humanitarian concerns surrounding deportations to regions lacking basic infrastructure and resources. It highlights the vulnerability of individuals subjected to such transfers, facing potential dangers and lacking access to essential necessities like food and healthcare.

The situation also raises questions about the process of deportation and the destination's suitability for individuals needing medical care, like Moreno's diabetes, and protection from potential harm.

What the Parties Say

Moreno states that local security forces have detained him outside the center, demanding money for his release, with one instance requiring intervention from a United Nations official. He also mentioned the high cost of internet access, around $32 daily, for external communication.

His diabetes medication, Metformin, was initially difficult to obtain, requiring UN intervention. He fears further disruption to his treatment. He is pursuing legal recourse through a private attorney in the U.S., who is attempting to negotiate his case for a potential return.

What Comes Next

Moreno's legal team is actively working on his case, seeking a review and a possible return to the United States under the Cuban Adjustment Act. He arrived in the U.S. nearly a decade ago but was detained by ICE in May 2025, spending about a year in detention before his deportation to Africa.

He arrived in the Central African Republic without prior knowledge of the destination or documentation, adding to his precarious situation. The situation for other Cubans and migrants in similar detention centers remains a concern.