{"id":24,"count":59,"description":"Cameroon lies at the crossroads between the English-speaking part of West Africa and French-speaking Central Africa. This is reflected in a rich cultural heritage shaped by diverse influences.\r\n\r\nFor some time now, various factors have been leading to increasing instability in Cameroon: Since 2016, a conflict has been escalating in southwestern Cameroon that arose from the political oppression of the English-speaking (Anglophone) minority. The crisis has claimed more than 3,000 lives so far and forced over 700,000 people to flee. In addition, the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram is carrying out attacks in the north, and in the east, displaced persons from the civil war in the Central African Republic are seeking refuge.\r\n\r\nPaul Biya has ruled the country since 1982. He was reelected in October 2025 and, despite significant doubts about the election results, was sworn in on November 6, 2025, at the age of 92, in Cameroon\u2019s capital, Yaound\u00e9, for an eighth term as president. Several opposition candidates filed appeals with the Constitutional Council citing irregularities, all of which were rejected.\r\n

Humanitarian aid in the conflict area<\/h4>\r\nMission 21 provides support, in particular, to the population in the English-speaking southwest of Cameroon through projects in the areas of education, health, and theological education.\n\nTo provide urgently needed assistance in the context of the Anglophone crisis, Mission 21 launched a Humanitarian Aid Program<\/a> We have launched an initiative that, in addition to our regular projects, allows us to provide aid during the ongoing crisis in collaboration with two churches and several nongovernmental organizations\u2014always with the goal of ensuring that this support is sustainable and empowers the beneficiaries to build a self-determined future.\r\n\r\nThe Cameroonian churches and local NGOs have great potential to help mitigate the conflict and support people in need, as they are deeply rooted in and accepted by the local population. Mission 21\u2019s humanitarian aid project harnesses this potential to build a comprehensive, sustainable humanitarian aid program in collaboration with international organizations such as UN-OCHA.\r\n\r\n\u25ba Background to the Anglophone crisis<\/a>\r\n

Education<\/h4>\r\nMission 21 is convinced that a sound education in theology can help overcome social tensions of various kinds. The focus is on ecumenical openness while incorporating local traditions. The educational projects help ensure a peaceful discussion of different values within the country. Participants critically engage with social issues and questions of faith and can actively contribute to solving problems.\r\n

Health<\/h4>\r\nPublic health infrastructure in Cameroon is underdeveloped. The projects carried out by Mission 21 and its partner organizations therefore focus on providing basic medical care in rural areas. This also includes basic medical care in camps for displaced persons. Another focus is on caring for people living with HIV, as well as general awareness campaigns on HIV and AIDS.\r\n

Local Partner Organizations<\/h4>\r\nReliable, locally based partner organizations are essential for the successful and professional development and implementation of projects. In the case of Cameroon, there are five such organizations:\r\n