Humanitarian aid in Cameroon

Background information

The background of the conflict lies in the colonial era. Cameroon is composed of a larger francophone and a smaller anglophone area. An originally federal system was abolished in 1972 in favor 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 greater equality. Meanwhile, separatist groups are calling for an independent Anglophone state of "Ambazonia," which the central government is fighting. According to official UN data, over 628,000 people on the run to the forests, to the provincial capitals or to francophone Cameroon, while 420,000 recently returned to their often completely destroyed homelands. Mt least another 60,000 people have fled to NigeriaOthers are holding out in the conflict zone.

The churches have a central role in dealing with the conflict: they stand up for the disenfranchised Anglophone population, work for peace and are driving forces in humanitarian aid. The emergency relief and reconstruction program professionalizes the churches' involvement, and individual actions are complemented and coordinated to form a synergistic whole. In this way, the population receives well-coordinated support and it is ensured that the help 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 assistance provided by Mission 21's Emergency Relief and Recovery Program is particularly targeted at traumatized individuals, as well as women and children, who 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 products)
• Education and training for people without jobs. Displaced persons and also young people who have remained in the villages receive IT training, for example. Carpenters and other construction specialists are also being trained. They can help 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.