Humanitarian aid in Cameroon

Background information

The background to the conflict lies in the colonial era. Cameroon is made up of a larger francophone and a smaller anglophone area. A federal system was abolished in 1972 in favour of a centralized system. Since then, the Anglophone minority has felt marginalized and disadvantaged. In 2016, the conflict escalated during a strike by teachers and the judiciary. The central government reacted harshly to demands for more equality. Meanwhile, separatist groups are calling for an independent Anglophone state of "Ambazonia", which is being opposed by the central government. According to official UN figures, over 628,000 people have fled to forests, provincial capitals or Francophone Cameroon, while 420,000 have returned to their often completely destroyed homes. At least another 60,000 people have fled to Nigeria, while others remain in the conflict zone.

The churches play a central role in dealing with the conflict: they stand up for the disenfranchised Anglophone population, work for peace and are the driving force behind humanitarian aid. Immediate emergency aid is increasingly being supplemented and replaced by rehabilitation measures such as trauma healing and training. The consequences of the conflict will be felt for a long time to come.

Project goals

Due to the ongoing crisis in the Anglophone regions, the focus of humanitarian aid is shifting from vital emergency aid in the form of food aid, medical care and the distribution of tents, blankets, hygiene items, etc. (so-called non-food items) to activities that give internally displaced persons a new perspective on life. Direct aid is still necessary, but is increasingly being supplemented by training and educational measures. The issue of trauma healing is becoming increasingly important. Many of those affected are severely traumatized by their experiences and need psychosocial support in order to regain their footing.

Target group

The humanitarian aid of Mission 21's emergency relief and reconstruction program is aimed in particular at people with trauma as well as women and children who have been displaced and are most affected by the ongoing conflict.

Activities

• Distribution of food and clean water to displaced persons
• Medical assistance
• Supply of "non-food items" (e.g. blankets, tents, hygiene articles)
• Training and further education for people without work. Displaced people and also young people who have remained in the villages can, for example, complete IT training or accounting courses. Income-generating measures in agriculture and other areas help people to improve their living conditions.
• Trauma healing and psychosocial support for the often severely traumatized internally displaced persons is becoming increasingly important and is crucial in order to offer sustainable assistance. Meanwhile, there are three counseling centers operated by Mission 21.

Geographic focus

Based on a recent United Nations survey, Mission 21 is engaged in Cameroon's northwest and southwest regions. Depending on the further development of the conflict and the humanitarian situation, the focus of the aid program may shift over time.