csm cameroon emergency aid 134.1003 01 new c8223b8f53
    Cameroon, Gender Equity
    Humanitarian action

    Humanitarian aid in Cameroon

    Project Number: 134.1003

    A conflict between the Cameroonian central government and the Anglophone population in the west of the country has been escalating since fall 2016. 2 million people are dependent on aid. The Cameroonian churches and local NGOs have great potential to contain the conflict and support the people in need, as they are anchored and accepted by the population. Mission 21's emergency aid and reconstruction project is working with them in a sustainable humanitarian aid program under the overall coordination of UN-OCHA.

    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 have a central role in dealing with the conflict: they stand up for the disenfranchised Anglophone population and are driving forces in humanitarian aid. With the emergency aid and reconstruction program, the church's commitment is professionalized, individual actions are complemented and coordinated to form a synergetic whole. In this way, the population receives well-coordinated, comprehensive and sustainable support and it is ensured that the aid reaches where it is needed most. 

    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 provided by 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 young people who have remained in the villages can complete IT training or accounting courses, for example. Carpenters and other construction specialists are also being trained. They can help to rebuild the country after the crisis.
    • 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.

    Map

    Cameroon

    • 27.9 million inhabitants
    • 628,000 people are on the run because of the current conflict, 420,000 are trying to return to their homes

    Project budget 2024

    Dependent on donations without a regular budget

    Dossier on the current crisis

    â–º Dossier (PDF)

    jacqueline

    Jacqueline Brunner

    Team leader church partnerships

    Tel. 061 260 23 37
    â–º E-mail

    csm angelika weber bd226cb937

    Angelika Weber

    Program manager Cameroon and Nigeria
    Tel: +41 (0)61 260 22 65
    â–º E-mail

    Hope thanks to your support

    Mission 21
    Protestant Mission Basel

    PO Box 270
    Missionsstrasse 21
    4009 Basel, Switzerland
    Tel.: +41 (0)61 260 21 20
    info@mission-21.org

    Donation account Switzerland:
    IBAN: CH58 0900 0000 4072 6233 2
    Tax exemption number:
    CHE-105.706.527

    Donation account Germany:
    Savings Bank Lörrach-Rheinfelden
    Swift BIC: SKLODE66
    BLZ: 683 500 48
    IBAN: DE39 6835 0048 0001 0323 33
    Account No. : 1032333

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