Court Says US Must Bring Woman Back from Congo

May 14, 2026, 18:49
AfricaInternational

Introduction

A US judge says the government must bring Adriana María Quiroz Zapata back to the United States.

Main Body

Adriana is from Colombia. She cannot go back to Colombia because it is dangerous for her. The US government sent her to the Democratic Republic of Congo instead. The Congo government said no. They did not want her because she is sick. She has diabetes and other health problems. The Congo did not have the right doctors for her. Now, Adriana stays in a hotel in Congo. She cannot leave the hotel. She does not have good medicine. The judge says this is very dangerous for her health.

Conclusion

The US government must now tell the judge how they will bring her home.

Learning

⚡ The 'Cannot' Pattern

Look at these sentences from the text:

  • "She cannot go back..."
  • "She cannot leave the hotel."

What is this? When we want to say something is impossible or not allowed, we use cannot.

Simple Rule: Subject + cannot + Action

Real-life examples for A2:

  • I cannot speak Japanese. → (Impossible for me)
  • You cannot smoke here. → (Not allowed)
  • He cannot come to the party. → (Impossible)

Quick Note: In daily conversation, people usually say can't. cannot = can't

Vocabulary Learning

court (n.)
a place where legal cases are heard
Example:The court decided to postpone the trial.
judge
a person who decides in a court
Example:The judge listened to both sides before giving a decision.
judge (n.)
a person who decides cases in court
Example:The judge listened to both sides.
government
the group that runs a country
Example:The government announced a new policy on health.
government (n.)
the group that runs a country
Example:The government announced new rules.
dangerous
able to cause harm or injury
Example:It is dangerous to drive without a seatbelt.
dangerous (adj.)
something that can harm or hurt
Example:The road is dangerous in the rain.
medicine
a substance used to treat illness
Example:She took her medicine every morning.
diabetes (n.)
a disease that makes blood sugar high
Example:She has diabetes and must check her sugar.
hotel
a building where people can stay overnight
Example:They booked a room in a hotel for their trip.
health (n.)
the state of being free from illness
Example:Good exercise helps health.
home
the place where you live
Example:After a long day, she was happy to return home.
doctor (n.)
a person who treats sickness
Example:The doctor gave her medicine.
diabetes
a disease that causes high blood sugar
Example:People with diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels.
hotel (n.)
a building that rents rooms to travelers
Example:They stayed in a hotel for the night.
medicine (n.)
a substance that cures illness
Example:She took medicine for her cough.
home (n.)
the place where one lives
Example:She wants to return home.